AFTER Journey, the next major act to watch in Manila is John Legend, whose concert is on March 26 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Local fans first heard about the 30-year-old singer-songwriter through the hit single ?Ordinary People,? a soulful pop ballad with such easy recall that it became synonymous with the artist?s equally catchy stage moniker. (His real name is John Stephens.)

Another reason for Legend?s appeal is that he sounds a lot like Stevie Wonder. Though Legend admitted that Wonder was one of his main influences, he also pointed out that he was not trying to mimic the latter?s vocal style and music.

Refreshing sound

In fact Legend?s debut album, the platinum-selling, six-time Grammy Award-winning ?Get Lifted? (2004), offered a refreshing sound that was noteworthy for its creative approach to a traditional genre like gospel.

There is lots of soul in this album, as well as songs containing references to the euphoric effects of organic substances. But Legend puts class and elegance in his music without sounding highfalutin.

This cool dude has so far released two more albums, 2006?s ?Once Again? and last year?s ?Evolver? ? all of which, including the debut, are with rap star Kanye West?s GOOD Music label and available on Sony BMG.

West and Legend are buddies. They hooked up when West?s cousin became Legend?s roommate at the University of Pennsylvania where Legend took up English with African-American Literature as major.

While in school, Legend was the leader of an a cappella group, which reportedly created a buzz within collegiate circles.

What?s odd is that after graduation, Legend became a business management consultant.

?The company I worked for was Boston Consulting Group,? Legend told the Inquirer via e-mail on Thursday. The firm is ranked No. 3 in Fortune magazine?s ?Best Companies to Work At? list. Legend didn?t explain exactly what he did there, but he said he enjoyed the stint for three years.

While holding the day job, Legend spent nights and weekends in the studio and in clubs. He was apparently honing his skills with an eye on breaking into the music scene.

Artistic collaborations

He did it with enviable energy, by way of collaborations with other artists. On his way to the top he found time to play piano on Lauryn Hill?s ?Everything Is Everything? and sing backup vocals on Alicia Keys? ?You Don?t Know My Name,? among others.

The best thing he learned from West?

?He taught me how to make records,? Legend said. ?I also learned about the music business from him. Kanye is one of the most talented people I know. Most importantly, he always pushed me to strive for greatness and aim for perfection.?

Asked to describe how his music has changed after three albums, Legend replied: ?I continue to grow and experiment as an artist. I learn something about myself and about music with every album. I still haven?t made that perfect album, though. I?m still aiming for that.?

Although ?Evolver? got good reviews, some critics didn?t appreciate its veering away from Legend?s soul/gospel roots.

Does he care at all with what critics say?

?I know some critics weren?t pleased with this album being a bit more contemporary,? Legend said. ?I knew it would get that reaction when I was making it, but I was fine with it. You can?t make your albums for the critics in the press. My fans are my most important critics and I want to make music that they will love. You never really know how they?re going to receive it, though. You just have to make it the best way you know how and then hope for the best. I?m still very proud of this album.?

If success has changed Legend as a person, he says it?s all for the better. ?I think I?m more confident and relaxed. I?m more comfortable being myself,? he said.

This being his first time to perform in Manila, Legend sounded enthusiastic: ?I know the crowd will be great and we?ll have a fantastic time. My band is exceptional and we put on an energetic show that mixes all three albums and a few covers in a seamless way. I think the people in Manila will be very pleased.?