Look To The Stars News: John Legend

Big Names To Celebrate Muhammad Ali's 70th Birthday At Charity Gala

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The cast of entertainers and sports icons slated to appear at Keep Memory Alive’s 16th annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, in Las Vegas keeps getting bigger every day, though only a limited number of tickets remain for the celebrity-filled fundraiser.

Fans wishing to see what’s happening inside this one-of-a-kind 70th birthday celebration for Muhammad Ali — which will raise funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center — will also be able to tune in to “Ali 70th From Las Vegas” on ABC on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m. ET and 2 p.m. PT. It will re-air on ESPN2 later that same night at 10 p.m. ET.

The lineup for the night includes performances and heartfelt tributes from some of the world’s hottest entertainers and sports icons. The list of performers and celebrity supporters slated to appear at the celebration includes Stevie Wonder, Samuel L. Jackson, David Beckham, Larry King, Ken Jeong, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Common, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Chris Cornell, Cee Lo Green, Joe Perry, Slash, Terrence Howard, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Jim Brown, Randy Couture, Brad Garrett, Kelly Rowland, Dave Koz, Robin Leach, James Gandolfini, Steve Schirripa, Chazz Palminteri and Sammy Hagar. Boxing icons scheduled to attend the celebration include Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Tommy “Hitman” Hearns. Even more big names from the entertainment and sports worlds will be added to the lineup as the event nears.

John Legend To Perform At Characters Unite Storytelling Event

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

USA Network and The Moth present will present A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power – a Characters Unite Storytelling Event – on February 15.  

Hosted by Tony and Emmy Award winner Nathan Lane, the event will feature stories by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and Golden Globe winner & Academy Award nominee Octavia Spencer, as well as Aimee Mullins and Greg Walloch.

Special guest for the evening will be Matt Bomer, star of USA’s White Collar, and there will be a special performance by Grammy Award winner John Legend Also expected to attend are Willie Garson, Corbin Bernsen, Bruce Campbell and many more.

Stars To Celebrate Muhammad Ali At Charity Event

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:20:00 +0000

In its bid to knock out memory disorders, Keep Memory Alive will turn up the heat at its 16th annual Power of Love Gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, as it celebrates the life and legacy of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, while raising funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center. Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime celebrity-filled fundraising event are on sale now.

On Feb. 18, Keep Memory Alive, the fundraising arm of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, will transform the MGM Grand Garden Arena into a 70th birthday celebration for Ali designed to honor the boxing legend’s contribution to the world and raise awareness for Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s, the disease “The Champ” has been battling since 1984. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s work toward enhanced treatments and research of neurocognitive disorders and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Ky.

Performers and celebrity supporters slated to appear at the celebration include Lenny Kravitz, Anthony Hopkins, John Legend, Cee Lo Green, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Brad Garrett, Kelly Rowland, James Gandolfini, and Sammy Hagar. Boxing icons scheduled to attend the celebration include Sugar Ray Leonard, Ken Norton, Tommy “Hitman” Hearns, Roberto Duran, Angelo Dundee, and Leon Spinks. Even more big names from the entertainment and sports worlds will be added to the line up as the event nears.

Jackie Chan Meets Americans Promoting Study Abroad

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Jackie Chan invited a group of Chinese and American students to visit him on the set of his new movie to increase awareness and support for study abroad programs for Americans in China.

The students – participating in a program called Americans Promoting Study Abroad (APSA) – were in Beijing for a special art week and charity concert co-sponsored by the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. The Booey Lehoo concert will be held at Beijing’s National Stadium on December 17 and will feature will.i.am and apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas, John Legend and leading Chinese pop stars.

APSA and the concert are supported by the 100,000 Strong Initiative, which aims to increase the number of American students studying in China by 100,000 in four years.

Katy Perry Joins Celebrity Charity Ambassador Class

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation has announced its 2012 Ambassador Class, dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in our nation’s public schools.

Since 1997, The VH1 Save The Music Foundation has provided over 1.8 million children with the gift of a complete education that includes music. The Foundation’s Ambassador Program, comprised of prominent musicians, athletes and stars of the film world who have committed to being the Foundation’s most powerful advocates and fundraisers, have helped raise over 1 million dollars to support the Foundation’s cause. Joining Alumni Ambassadors like Beyonce, Colbie Caillat, Jamie Foxx, Natasha Bedingfield and Gavin DeGraw, the 2012 VH1 Save The Music Foundation Ambassador class includes: Katy Perry, Matthew Morrison, Lupe Fiasco, Gavin Rossdale, Jordin Sparks, Vanessa Carlton, AJ McLean and Chris Daughtry.

Throughout the year, the Ambassador Class will continue to raise awareness for The VH1 Save The Music Foundation and deliver key messages about the importance of music education in a young person’s life. They will help increase profits to further the Foundation’s goal of providing instrumental music education programs in U.S. public elementary and middle schools. Ambassadors will even perform at select national events and visit with public school students to share their experiences of how music has impacted their lives, passion and careers.

Meet 50 Cent And John Legend For Charity

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Leading online charity auction site Charitybuzz.com has teamed up with hip-hop and R&B superstars 50 Cent and John Legend to raise funds for New York Restoration Project and Happy Hearts Fund by giving a few lucky fans the chance to get up-close and personal!

50 Cent has been busy doing good lately, between penning a children’s anti-bullying book and feeding hungry African children with proceeds from his energy drink, and his latest project, the launch of his new record label, is no exception; 50 Cent has partnered with charitybuzz to help make New York City neighborhoods greener, and is offering 2 fans the chance to meet him at his G-Note record label launch. The winning bidder and a guest will hit up a swanky, New York City hotel where the launch party will be held, and party with Curtis like it’s their birthday! Bidding is open through Tuesday, November 22 here, with proceeds going to the New York Restoration Project.

John Legend will be in the Concrete Jungle as well, laying down some brand new tracks, and he is inviting a pair of fans down to the studio to watch him work the mic! The winning bidder and a friend will go to a NYC recording studio, where they will feel like anything but ordinary people as they see Legend belt out his best. Bidding is open through Tuesday, November 15 here. Proceeds go to the Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit charitable organization founded by Petra Nemcova after her survival of the 2004 tsunami, with a mission to aid children around the world who suffer hardship as a result of natural, economic, and health related disasters.

John Legend Supports International Rescue Committee

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

On October 28, recording artist, concert performer and philanthropist John Legend, announced on Facebook his support for the International Rescue Committee.

“I’m proud to be an ‘IRC Voice,’ helping raise awareness about the International Rescue Committee’s life-changing work providing educational opportunities to refugee children,” he said.

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. Of every $1 the IRC spends, 93¢ goes to programs and services that directly benefit refugees and war-affected populations.

John Legend To Perform At Alvin Ailey Dance Benefit

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will kick-off a five-week New York season on November 30th with a star-studded gala benefit at New York City Center that begins an exciting new era led by Artistic Director Robert Battle. Honorary Chairs for the special evening are First Lady Michelle Obama and the legendary model Iman.

Nine-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend will join Ailey’s Alicia Graf Mack in an exclusive live performance of “If It’s Magic,” choreographed by Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison to the timeless music of Stevie Wonder. Legend, a long-time Ailey fan, stated, “Like millions of others, I’ve always been moved by Ailey’s performances and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of bringing this touching dance to life through the music of one my greatest inspirations, Stevie Wonder.”

The Nature Conservancy Names The Greenest Bands Ever

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000

In honor of the 10th Anniversary of the legendary Austin City Limits Festival, a new list recognizes bands that are making great music while fighting to save the planet

If there’s anything Austin knows, it’s live music. But as important as entertainment is, The Nature Conservancy understands the impact all those tour buses and visitors can have on our environment. That’s why The Nature Conservancy loves bands that not only talk the talk, but walk the walk – the green walk, that is. Check out some of the organization’s favorite eco-friendly acts, all of whom have graced a stage at the Austin City Limits Festival during its 10-year run.

“A recent nationwide poll by The Nature Conservancy found that musicians are among the top three most powerful influencers on environmental issues for America’s youth,” said Laura Huffman, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Texas. “Music really does have the power to change the world. This is why these artists and events like ACL, which has incorporated a green message into just about every aspect of the festival, are massively important for educating and inspiring our next generation of environmental leaders.”

Celebrities Support Troy Davis Ahead Of Execution

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:05:00 +0000

On September 21, the state of Georgia is set to execute Troy Davis in the face of overwhelming evidence that he is innocent, and a number of celebrities are lending him their support through Amnesty USA.

Troy Davis was convicted of murdering a Georgia police officer in 1991. However, the case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state’s non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony.

Many of these witnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that they were pressured or coerced by police into testifying or signing statements against Troy Davis.

Diddy Dirty Money Rocks Young Charity Volunteers

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Diddy Dirty Money and Eliza Doolittle were two of the acts to hit the stage in London this week to reward more than 11,000 charity volunteers.

Having more than quadrupled its volunteer base in less than three years, Orange RockCorps treated its volunteers to a phenomenal one-off live concert featuring an incredible line-up, in exchange for donating just four hours of their time to charity work.

“We are happy to support Orange RockCorps,” said P. Diddy before the show on Tuesday, July 12. “Rewarding people for their hard work in the community is a great chance to connect with great people, doing great things to enrich the lives of others. DDM is really looking forward to the Wembley show”

John Legend To Front Education Campaign

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

John Legend is set to front a new initiative to help lower the rate of high school dropouts.

The singer-songwriter – well known for his support of education causes – will appear in print, online and TV commercials for advertising giants Procter & Gamble to raise awareness for Communities in Schools.

“I believe that making sure that every kid has a quality education is the key to making sure that every kid has the opportunity to pursue the American dream,” Legend told The Associated Press.

John Legend Wants Equality In Education

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

John Legend has talked about his mission for education equality for all children in a MediaPlanet supplement to the Chicago Sun-Times.

“Many of our schools are literally and figuratively crumbling, and we’re not giving kids – especially low-income and minority kids – the chance to succeed,” he says in the piece by Steve Etheridge. "It’s currently the reality that where a child is born, what color that child is, and/or how much money that child’s parents make determines the quality of his or her education and life prospects.

“That’s not just, that’s not fair, that’s not right. But it’s happening.”

Bill Clinton Honored At Celebrity Charity Hope For Children Gala

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Regis Philbin honored Bill Clinton at a special celebrity charity event on Tuesday, June 7, in New York.

The tenth annual Samsung Hope For Children Gala at Cipriani Wall Street saw performances by a number of stars whose charities benefited from the event, including John Legend (The Show Me Campaign), Jason Mraz (The Jason Mraz Foundation), Branford Marsalis (New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village) and Harry Connick Jr. (New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village). Appearances were also made by Jennifer Lopez (The Maribel Foundation), Demi Moore (Demi and Ashton Foundation), Dan Marino (The Dan Marino Foundation), Boomer Esiason (The Boomer Esiason Foundation), Joe Torre (Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation) and Jimmie Johnson (The Jimmie Johnson Foundation) and many more.

Hope for Children is Samsung’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to help children live smarter, healthier and more sustainable lives. Through Hope for Children, Samsung works with its U.S. retailer partners and dedicated network of charitable organizations associated with renowned public figures. Collectively, these partnerships generate broad awareness and propel advancements in children’s education, healthcare and sustainability.

Stars Unite For Japan With Charity Videos

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Two months ago, Japan experienced a massive 9.0 earthquake and the devastating tsunami that followed. In response to this tragedy, actor Ken Watanabe launched www.uniteforjapan.org to rally people to donate funds for Japan’s relief effort through key organizations like the American Red Cross, Japan Society & Global Giving.

The impact of this natural disaster continues to be felt today by the people of Japan. Unite for Japan has launched two PSA videos featuring a special group of celebrities that came together to convey a very simple message: Unite for Japan.

Some of the stars who are featured in the PSAs are Paula Abdul, Ben Affleck, Zac Brown, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matt Damon, Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Ayako Fujutani, Mikael Hafstrom, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Muramasa Kudo, Sharon Lawrence, John Legend, Richard Lewis, Rob Marshall, Hideki Matsui, Julian McMahon, Jennifer Morrison, Cillian Murphy, Amaury Nolasco, Apolo Ohno, Masi Oka, Robert Patrick, Katy Perry, Maggie Q, Zoe Saldana, William Shatner, Jake Shimabukuro, Cobie Smulders, Steph Song, Ben Stiller, Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Aisha Tyler and Mark Wahlberg.

Donald Trump Donates Roast Money To Charity

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Donald Trump has pledged the $2 million he received for appearing at his comedy roast last night to charity.

Trump was the subject of Family Guy creator Seth Farlane’s second Comedy Central Celebrity Roast. Trump was roasted in front of celebrity guests such as Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, John Legend and Larry King at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

The Comedy Central Celebrity Roast will air on Tuesday, March 15, at 10:30pm. Watch previews and find out more here.

John Legend Shares The Stage With Students

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Last month, John Legend performed “Shine” with the KIPP Foundation orchestra at the Teach for America 20th Anniversary Summit in Washington D.C. via his Show Me Campaign.

Afterward, he gave a Twitter shout-out the to the students: “Special shout out to the students from the KIPP Orchestra from the South Bronx. It was an honor to perform with you!”

Legend’s ‘Show Me Campaign’ is a nonprofit organization that fights poverty using proven solutions like, for example, spending quality time with gifted kids who can hold their own alongside the Grammy Award-winning artist.

Black Eyed Peas Hold Annual Celebrity Charity Concert

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The Black Eyed Peas held their seventh annual Peapod Charity Benefit Concert in Hollywood on Thursday, and a host of celebrity friends turned out in support.

Held at The Music Box, the show raised much-needed funds for the group’s Peapod Foundation, which aims to give back to the band members’ communities around the world.Founded by will.i.am and Polo Molina of Grassroots Productions, The Peapod benefit concerts date back to the earliest incarnation of The Black Eyed Peas and began as charity toy drives for Los Angeles based children and local orphanages.

The band – including Fergie, will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo – lined up on stage along with John Legend, Jackson Browne, Natasha Bedingfield and Bobby Brown.

Party with Jimmy Fallon on Grammy's Eve

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Jimmy Fallon is set to host this year’s Roots Jam Session on Friday, February 12th, benefitting OpportunityNation, and you could be there, too!

Every year, award season brings the usual array of star-studded parties, but rarely do any of these become a celebrated institution. The Legendary Roots Crew, named one of the greatest live bands around by both Spin and Rolling Stone, have created the ticket to one of the most coveted and exclusive experiences of the season, delivering an innovative and unforgettable mix of musicians performing under one roof.

Jimmy Fallon will act as this year’s host, following in the footsteps of Don Cheadle, John Legend, Jada Pinkett Smith and Dave Chappelle, while Hennessy Artistry will serve as presenting partner. The announcement comes on the heels of The Roots’ 6 GRAMMY nominations, which are split between their two 2010 releases, Wake Up! (with John Legend) and How I Got Over.

Sienna Miller Hosts Celebrity Charity Party

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

For the eighth consecutive year, Esquire magazine has opened the doors to “the ultimate bachelor pad” for a special charity party.

Hosted by Sienna Miller and benefiting the International Medical Corps, the party attracted guests such as Felicity Huffman, Marlon Wayans, Lance Bass, Kate Bosworth, Aaron Eckhart, John Legend, Alexander Skarsgård and many more.

Branded Esquire House LA, the 9,000-square-foot luxury home located in the Hollywood Hills has been completely rebuilt from the ground up and newly outfitted by top designers to create a dynamic living environment. The $18.9 million House continued its tradition of playing host to some of the season’s most highly anticipated charity and celebrity events by hosting a benefit for the International Medical Corps on Friday night.

Visit The Set Of Breaking Dawn For Charity

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:30:00 +0000

From September 7-17, Stand Up To Cancer will auction off a range of celebrity experiences – including a visit to the set of Twilight: Breaking Dawn – on eBay.

Stand Up To Cancer is once again joining forces with eBay Giving Works to offer incredible charity auction experience packages in film, television, Broadway and sports that will raise funds for groundbreaking cancer research. Bidders will find an array of exciting auction packages and items to bid on with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Stand Up To Cancer and the fight against the disease.

Highlights include: SPIDER-MAN TURN OFF THE DARK opening night package, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn set visit, lunch with Richard Branson, a chance to shoot hoops with NBA Stars, front row to tickets to Jewel, Macy Gray, John Legend and Colbie Caillat, the chance to meet Tony Hawk and much more!

Good Morning America Launches Summer Concert Charity Auction

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

“Good Morning America’s” 2010 Summer Concert Series returned for the second straight year to the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, where music’s biggest names performed live every Friday, from May 21 through August 27. And now you can bid on some special items signed by the bands that took part to benefit Stand Up To Cancer.

Each week, the concert series featured one of the hottest chart-topping acts in the country, including The Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys and Usher; pop sensations Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus; country superstars Sugarland and Lady Antebellum; and the top ten finalists from this season’s “American Idol.”

Each of the artists autographed a special GMA 2010 Summer Concert Series poster on the day they performed and now YOU have the opportunity to own one! All fifteen posters will be auctioned off on eBay to benefit Stand Up To Cancer, a groundbreaking initiative raising much-needed funds for cutting-edge cancer research. The posters, plus photos of many of the artists signing them, are available now.

Swizz Beatz And John Legend Auction Recording Session For Charity

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Last week at the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s star-studded Art for Life fundraiser at Russell Simmons’ East Hampton estate, John Legend and Swizz Beatz teamed together to announce an incredible donation.

The two acclaimed artists and philanthropists are auctioning off the opportunity for two fans to join them both in-studio for an intimate recording session to raise funds for arts education.

The incredible experience, valued at $50,000, is up for auction at charitybuzz, the leading destination for online charity auctions, through August 18 at CharityBuzz.com.

John Legend Supports Millennium Campus Network

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

John Legend and Jeffrey Sachs are supporting the Millennium Campus Network, a national network of university student organizations working to reduce extreme poverty and achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Both Legend and Sachs are on the Board of Directors of the MCN, which provides networking, funding, and national campaign opportunities to students across the United States. They both spoke at the organization’s inaugural conference, and John has also tweeted about the MCN, and has twice given grants to interns to work with the MCN during the summer as Fellows through his Show Me Campaign. The United Nations Millennium Campaign and United Nations Foundation have also been key donors for the network.

“This is a message for college students,” says John Legend in a recent video he made for MCN. “It’s easy to take things for granted when you get caught up in the stress of exams, deadlines and campus life. But as busy as you are, your generation is doing great things. Your generation helped elect a president, your generation helped connect the world through Facebook, and now we need your generation to do one more incredible thing – end extreme poverty. Please take one minute to visit CommitInSeptember.com and tell President Obama and Congress that you are passionate about global education, global health and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The Millennium Campus Network has already collected thousands of signatures.”

R. Kelly To Feature On FIFA World Cup Charity Album

Tue, 25 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

R. Kelly will perform his new charity single – Sign Of A Victory – at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony on June 11, backed by a 27-member African choir.

“Africa has always had a special place in my heart, both musically and emotionally,” Kelly told UsMagazine.com. “So it means a lot to me to get to work with the Soweto Spiritual Singers and perform my song at this huge event in Johannesburg.”

The single – which will benefit African charities – will also feature on a new charity CD celebrating the FIFA World Cup. Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album will be released on June 1st.