John Legend Reflects on His Smash Single ‘All of Me’: “It’s Pretty Magical”
Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC Reading Time: 3 minutes
More than a decade after the release of “All of Me,” John Legend is reflecting on its gigantic effect worldwide. Treating the single as a blessing, the soul superstar is grateful for the love he’s gotten ever since.
John Legend Explains Creation of Hit Song ‘All of Me’
Recalling the creative process, Legend said he was with “great songwriter” Toby Gad in his Los Angeles studio. He was writing the song with oozing passion and inspiration. At the time, he was engaged with his now-wife, Chrissy Teigen.
“I was inspired to write a song honoring our relationship, talking about what she means to me and what it means to be in love with someone and to be fully invested in that relationship, all that it means, giving yourself to that relationship and accepting all that comes with it,” he said.
When he was ready to sing “All of Me” to the cookbook author, Legend whispered it to her ear. Revisiting the core memory, the singer said Teigen “knew it was about her from the beginning.”
“When I said, ‘What would I do without your smart mouth?’ She knew it was for her. And then the first time I sang it live was at our wedding,” he said.
In 2023, Legend marked the 10-year anniversary of the hit song. That same year, Legend and Teigen celebrated 10 years of being married.
“It’s a pretty magical time for the song, for our marriage, for our family,” he said. “It’s pretty cool that we’re celebrating “All of Me” this year and us being together, married for 10 years.”
Indeed, “All of Me” doesn’t only signify Legend’s love for Teigen. It also bespeaks the family that they’ve created together.
He’s in Awe of How ‘Impactful’ the Song Has Been to People
After Legend released the “All of Me” in August 2013, the song unstoppably proceeded to become a global hit. It has since sold 14 million copies, and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“It’s pretty magical knowing how impactful the song has been not just for me but for so many other people,” he said. “Knowing that I wrote this song that everybody’s been playing at their weddings for the last 10 years, their anniversary celebrations, anytime they want to profess their love to someone that means so much to them. I just see so much salience for the song.”
Ultimately, Legend is thankful that “All of Me” has grown into a song that people from all over the world resonated with.
“Even 10 years later, it’s still so meaningful for people. And it’s an honor. Whenever you have even one song that means that much to so many people. It’s such a blessing, and I’m truly grateful for the song,” he said.
