John Legend, the epitome of musical brilliance, has captured the hearts of millions with his unforgettable melodies. He has become an icon in the world of contemporary R&B and soul with hit songs like “All of Me,” which has over 2 billion views on YouTube as we write this.
If you’re a devoted fan of his, you might be interested in checking out other singers that share a similar musical essence. If you are, then you’re in for a treat.
In this post, be captivated as we explore the talents of 13 amazing like John Legend. Let’s dive in!
1. Leon Bridges
A rising star in the neo-soul genre, Leon Bridges captivates listeners with his vintage sound and soulful vocals. Drawing inspiration from classic soul and R&B music of the ’60s, this retro-styled artist has been compared to legends like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.
Bridges gained widespread attention in 2015 with his breakthrough single “Coming Home.” His debut album, also titled Coming Home, was released later that year to critical acclaim. It received Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album and Best Music Video, solidifying his status as a rising star in the industry.
Bridges is often likened to John Legend due to their shared talent for blending smooth melodies with emotionally powerful lyrics. The Texas native also embraces an old-school aesthetic through his fashion choices and musical stylings, helping revive interest in yesteryear’s soul music.
2. Ne-Yo
As one of the most talented and versatile artists in the R&B, soul, and pop genres, Ne-Yo has firmly established himself as a powerhouse singer-songwriter. Ne-Yo’s rise to prominence began with his songwriting skills, penning hits for renowned artists such as Mario, Beyoncé, and Willow Smith.
His breakthrough as a solo artist came with the release of his debut album, In My Own Words, in 2006, which featured chart-topping singles like “So Sick” and “Sexy Love.” Since then, he has delivered a string of successful albums, like Because of You (2007) and Year of the Gentleman (2008), which further solidified his position in the industry.
Ne-Yo’s smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics have drawn comparisons to singers like Trey Songz, Jay Sean, and especially John Legend, making him an ideal pick for fans of Legend’s soulful sound.
3. Rahsaan Patterson
A talented neo-soul and R&B artist, Rahsaan Patterson‘s impressive vocal range is often compared to John Legend’s, making him an excellent alternative for discovering new artists within similar genres.
Patterson’s musical journey began at an early age when he appeared on the children’s television show Kids Incorporated. He gained further recognition in the 1990s with his self-titled debut album, which showcased his impressive vocal range.
Throughout his career, Patterson has consistently delivered music that perfectly showcases his incredible vocal agility and emotive delivery, like in the albums Love in Stereo, After Hours, and Heroes & Gods. If you’re interested in exploring his discography, these albums are great starting points.
4. Aloe Blacc
The talented American singer-songwriter and pianist Aloe Blacc has been making waves in the world of neo-soul, pop-soul, and R&B. Since his start in 1995; he has gained immense popularity for his soulful music style.
After a slow start, Blacc finally broke through into the mainstream with Good Things in 2010, which peaked at #8 on the UK chart. He followed this up with another high-charting album, Lift Your Spirit, in 2013. Notably, his song “I Need a Dollar” was featured as the theme song for HBO’s hit series How to Make It in America.
Known for his smooth and powerful voice, it’s no wonder that his music often draws comparisons to the incredible John Legend. Both artists possess an undeniable ability to infuse their songs with passion and emotion, leaving listeners moved and inspired. So if you’re a fan of Legend’s soulful tunes, Blacc’s music is definitely worth checking out!
5. Maxwell
Gerald Maxwell Rivera, simply known as Maxwell, is a Grammy-winning R&B/Soul artist compared to John Legend for his smooth and soulful vocals. With hits like “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” and “Pretty Wings,” Maxwell has earned the admiration of fans worldwide.
Like John Legend, Maxwell has roots in church music. He grew up singing in the Baptist church choir and credits that experience with instilling a sense of discipline and musicality in him.
With appearances on film soundtracks such as Love Jones and collaborations with artists like Alicia Keys on her hit song “Fire We Make,” Maxwell continues to make a name for himself in the music industry while staying true to his soulful style.
6. Sam Smith
The extraordinary English singer and songwriter Sam Smith has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music industry. With their soulful voice, impeccable technique, and lively performances, Smith has emerged as one of the most influential and popular artists of our time.
From their chart-topping hits like “Stay with Me” and “Unholy” to their critically acclaimed albums, such as In the Lonely Hour and The Thrill of It All, Smith has consistently delivered music that listeners all around the world enjoy.
Notably, Smith has collaborated with esteemed artists, including John Legend, in the rerelease of “Lay Me Down.” Both musicians share a common dedication to crafting music that resonates with audiences on an emotional level. Their powerful and distinctive voices beautifully lend themselves to the soulful and R&B genres that they both excel in.
7. Corinne Bailey Rae
From Leeds, England, Corinne Bailey Rae is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who has made a name for herself in the music industry since 1998. Her melodic voice and guitar-playing skills have earned Grammy Awards, like Best R&B Performance for “Is This Love” in 2012.
Bailey Rae’s musical journey has been shaped by her deep-rooted love for R&B, soul, and jazz genres. Her versatility as an artist is evident in her collaborations with industry heavyweights like Jay-Z, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles.
For fans of John Legend, Bailey Rae’s music offers a delightful similarity. Both artists share common musical influences and styles, embracing the soulful and R&B elements that captivate listeners with their heartfelt performances.
8. Gregory Porter
A renowned jazz singer, Gregory Porter has firmly established himself in the music industry with his soulful and socially conscious music. His extraordinary talent and heartfelt performances have captivated audiences far and wide.
An exceptional album in Porter’s discography is Nat King Cole & Me, a beautiful tribute to the legendary singer. Released in 2017, this record showcases the singer’s smooth and velvety voice as he pays homage to his musical idol, Nat King Cole.
What truly sets Porter apart is not just his incredible vocal abilities but also his commitment to using his music as a platform for social commentary. Through his heartfelt lyrics, he addresses important issues such as love, equality, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
For fans of John Legend, Porter’s powerful and emotive music offers a kindred spirit and a shared appreciation for the art of soulful storytelling.
9. Raheem DeVaughn
Next up is Raheem DeVaughn, one of the most underrated contemporary R&B crooners around. With his soulful music and smooth vocals, he creates romantic ballads that will touch your heartstrings, like the 2008 “Customer.”
In addition to his solo work, Raheem DeVaughn has also collaborated on several exciting projects throughout his career, like with Ludacris in the single “Bulletproof” and DJ Jazzy Jeff in “My Soul’s Not 4 Sale.”
It’s no secret that Raheem DeVaughn takes inspiration from some of the greats. However, despite being an accomplished artist, he remains humble and speaks highly about the influences that have shaped his sound over the years.
10. India Arie
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, singer-songwriter India Arie has made waves in the music industry with music, which is a wonderful combination of R&B, jazz, and neo-soul.
She burst onto the scene with her debut album, Acoustic Soul, which features the songs “Video” and “Brown Skin.” The album itself landed at #10 on the Billboard 200 chart and received seven Grammy nominations.
With lyrics often tackling issues such as self-love, empowerment, and spirituality, Arie’s songs have resonated with fans worldwide, and fans of John Legend can certainly appreciate her style of blending soulful melodies with meaningful lyrics.
11. Jill Scott
Described as a neo-soul singer with a captivating blend of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz influences, Jill Scott unquestionably deserves a spot on this list. The Grammy-winning artist’s work is a testament to her immense talent and artistic vision.
Over the years, Scott has released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including her groundbreaking debut, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. Her music is characterized by its poetic lyricism, thought-provoking storytelling, and a seamless fusion of the genres mentioned above.
In addition to her successful career in the music industry, Scott has collaborated with other talented artists on various projects. She has also contributed vocals to the Hamilton Mixtape alongside John Legend and Alicia Keys.
12. Judith Hill
A highly talented singer-songwriter, Judith Hill has amassed an impressive portfolio of work, working along with renowned musicians in the industry, like Josh Groban, Prince, and John Legend himself.
Hill’s remarkable talent was recognized when she won a Grammy Award for Best Music Film in 2014 for her contribution to the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom.
One notable highlight of Hill’s career was dueting with Michael Jackson on his hit song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” This unforgettable moment showcased her incredible talent and her ability to hold her own alongside one of the greatest performers in history.
13. H.E.R.
One more singer who shares similarities with John Legend is H.E.R. (Gabriella Wilson). H.E.R. is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter and musician who recently had her breakthrough in 2017 with her self-titled compilation album.
H.E.R. received critical acclaim, topping the Top R&B Albums chart and receiving a Grammy for Best R&B Album. Its track “Best Part” also received a Grammy for Best R&B Performance.
Like John Legend, H.E.R. has a strong command of her voice and uses it to convey deep emotions in her songs. With her soulful delivery and introspective lyrics, she has established herself as a powerful storyteller in the world of contemporary R&B.
Summing Up Our List Of Singers Like John Legend
If you’re a fan of John Legend’s soulful and smooth sound, plenty of other singers out there will scratch that musical itch. We hope our list of the singers like John Legend will help you expand your musical horizons.
Who have we missed that should be on this list? Let us know, and we’ll be certain to add them for you!
