Collaborations make John Legend a household name (Updated December 26, 2012)

Imagine becoming a successful singer-songwriter known not only for your own music, but for lending your voice and talent to other established artists. The path is tried and true for John Roger Stephens, better known by his stage name John Legend, whose career took off thanks to a series of collaborations with some of music's most well-known names.

Kanye West. Lauryn Hill. Jay-Z. Alicia Keys. They're just a few of the people who have worked with Legend to create chart-topping hits like "All of the Lights," "Everything is Everything," "Encore" and "You Don't Know My Name." It was a climb to the top that began when Legend was just a young man who played piano at age four and performed with his church choir by age seven. And by the time he finished college, he had a following from Boston all the way to Atlanta, his music touching most major cities along the northeast corridor.

Legend has three studio albums to his name, including his 2004 debut "Get Lifted," which reached the Top Five of the Billboard 200 and led to three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. "Once Again," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billbaord 200 and No. 1 on the R&B/hip-hop Albums chart, followed in 2006. Two years later came "Evolver," which featured West, Brandy, Estelle and Andre 3000, among others.

Beyond his music career, Legend is known for his television appearances and commercials, plus a multitude of charitable endeavors. He was among the celebrities demanding change in U.S. gun laws in late 2012, and in 2013 will perform at the National Portrait Gallery as part of activities for the presidential inauguration. His next album is due in May.