John Legend performed Prince’s hit Let’s Go Crazy with Shelia E. during the third night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, receiving mixed reactions from fans of the late Prince. Some felt that Legend’s rendition was less than ‘legendary’ and out of his range, while others believed that Shelia E. should have performed solo. However, Prince’s former manager and attorney, L. Londell McMillian, who saw Legend’s performance in person, thought that he did a fine job. McMillian acknowledged that there’s only one Prince and that everybody is entitled to their opinions about Legend’s performance, marveling at Prince’s ability to craft a powerful message through his music. The song Let’s Go Crazy served as the opening track for Prince And The Revolution’s classic studio album Purple Rain and became one of his enduring hits, topping the charts in 1984.
Shelia E., who collaborated with Prince after breaking off from her old band in 1983, played a significant role in Prince’s music career. The experiences with Prince helped her launch a successful solo career, leading to her debut album in 1984, which included her biggest hit, The Glamorous Life. While Legend is a well-rounded musician like Prince, known for playing instruments and singing, his music leans more towards smooth jazz and R&B flavor. Legend is set to release his 10th studio album, My Favorite Dream, on August 30, marking his first venture into children’s music. The first single from the album, L-O-V-E, features Legend’s wife Chrissy Teigen, their six-year-old son Miles, and eight-year-old daughter Luna.
McMillian gained prominence in 1996 when Prince hired him to free him from his multi-year contract with Warner Bros., ultimately winning the case and boosting his career significantly at just 30 years old. With other high-profile clients like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lil’ Kim, and Chaka Khan, McMillian has continued to be involved in the music industry. Despite the mixed reactions to Legend’s performance at the DNC, McMillian believes that Legend did a fine job and that everyone has the right to their opinions. Even though Prince passed away in April 2016, his music still resonates, as seen at the DNC in Chicago. Let’s Go Crazy was a significant hit for Prince, topping various charts and becoming a staple at his concerts.
Legend’s performance at the DNC brought the crowd to their feet, showcasing his musical talent and versatility. While there were criticisms of Legend not being the right fit for the song, McMillian and others appreciated his effort. Sheila E.’s collaboration with Prince helped shape her career as a solo artist, while Legend’s upcoming children’s album represents a new direction in his music. Despite the comparisons to Prince, Legend has his own unique style that appeals to a wide audience. As the music industry continues to evolve, artists like Legend and Sheila E. carry on the legacy of iconic musicians like Prince in their own way.
