John Legend Where: The Pearl at Palms Cost: $50 and up When: 8 p.m. Jan. 10 Info: (866) 80-SHOWS

In a fit of precognitive genius, singer, songwriter, pianist and multiplatinum recording artist John Stephens took the stage name John Legend and began a career that is now on track to become truly legendary.

Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, Legend learned early the value of education. He began playing the piano at age 4, sang at his church choir by age 7 and earned a degree in English at the University of Pennsylvania before turning his focus to his music.

His R&B and soul sound grew from the music he loved as a child and the feeling and imagery invoked by the African-American literature he studied in college. While working as a management consultant in Boston and New York City, Legend hit the club scene on nights and weekends earning gigs and a following that eventually led to the live LPs John Stephens and Live at SOBs.

It was around this time that Legend was introduced to soon-to-be megastar Kanye West, and the two have been close friends and collaborators ever since. Legend lent his melodic voice to West's demo, which would eventually grow into the Grammy-winning album The College Dropout. West helped Legend out with some beats and rhythms that would find their way onto Legend's debut album, Get Lifted.

From this powerful collaboration Legend has gone on to work with heavyweights such as John Mayer, Corinne Bailey-Rae, The Black Eyed Peas and if reports are true with Michael Jackson on his forthcoming album.

Surely, by any definition, Legend has achieved success. His three studio albums have sold millions of copies and earned five Grammy awards. He has appeared on numerous TV shows, performed at dozens of charitable festivals and events including a duet with Will.i.am at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

An avid supporter of President- elect Barack Obama, Legend has used his success to give back. Alongside professor Jeffrey Sachs, author of The End of Poverty, Legend has worked on sustainable development of countries and to help people who live under the poverty line.

Despite all this, his true love remains his music. His latest album Revolver, released in October, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard chars. An evolution of his deeply lush vocals mixed with collaboration with the likes of Andre 3000, Brandy and his old buddy West have proven that Legend can remain true to his roots while moving his music in a new direction.

Legend is on an extensive tour, which will take him across the United States, over to Scandinavia and the Low Countries and wrapping up in the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. Check him out when he pops into our little oasis of sand and light.