John Legend paves way for new artists on his own label

John Legend, the soul crooner, promotes new artists on his own label, including his younger brother.

Photo: John Legend paves way for new artists on his own label

"He's a really good singer, and he's also a really good lyricist," Legend said of Vaughn Anthony, his sibling. "So I think he's got a lot of potential."

Legend, 28, features Anthony and other artists on his Homeschool Records label in the special "Baileys Entertainment Presents Get Together with John Legend," airing Sunday on the TV One network.

Besides Anthony, it features performances from British singer/rapper Estelle, who is to make her Atlantic Records debut next year, and the throwback trio The James Group. Legend also performs his own hits, such as "Ordinary People."

In an interview with The Associated Press this week, Legend said guiding the careers of others is not much different from what he does in his own.

"I don't feel like it's a dramatic shift. Either way I'm a fan of music and I love making records that someone can be proud of," he said.

Legend co-wrote and sang background on some of the songs on Estelle's album, "Shine," due out in May, and performs a duet with her. He plans to do the same for Anthony, whose album has yet to be completed. But he said he is careful to make sure each of his artists have their own sound.

"I want them to have their own identity and that's the reason why I signed them," he said.

Legend said Estelle caught his ear with her lyrics and voice, and "that unique combination of being able to credibly sing and rap, which not many people have."

His brother clearly did not need help getting Legend's attention, but he says he did not know Anthony was serious about singing until Legend started having success: for the past two years, he has been singing backup for Legend on his tours.

"I'm really frank with him and I really look at it like I'm his mentor," Legend said. "We tease each other, we do everything brothers do."