John Legend made is debut with the San Francisco Symphony on Tuesday, July 23, 2023 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. It was the first of two performances this week.Stefan Cohen/ San Francisco Symphony
Two days after President Joe Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential ticket, singer-songwriter John Legend reaffirmed his support for the Bay Area native.
During the second half of his two-hour performance with the San Francisco Symphony on Tuesday, July 23, the crooner introduced his 2022 track “Wonder Woman” with a pointed declaration: “It’s about time we let a wonder woman be president.”
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The comment sparked a roar of cheers from the Davies Symphony Hall audience, who recognized his reference to Harris. The “All of Me” singer had already announced his endorsement of the former San Francisco district attorney and California senator on social media, stating Harris is “ready for this fight and I’m excited to help her in any way I can.”
Legend — the first Black man to gain EGOT, status having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award by age 39 — is among several stars in the music industry and beyond who have publicly supported Harris’ presidential bid against Donald Trump, who is seeking reelection despite being found guilty on 34 charges related to a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election illegally.
Cheriss May/Special to the Chronicle
“Some of my favorite musical moments of my career have been when I channel my political beliefs through music,” said Legend, recalling how as a child he and his siblings frequented their local library, where he read about “Black civil rights heroes.”
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John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories with the San Francisco Symphony: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. $199-$599. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 415-864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org
Those role models, he went on, defined what “it meant to live a life of purpose.”
Legend also shared a personal anecdote about how at just 15 years old, he submitted an essay for a Black History Month contest sponsored by McDonald’s, in which he vowed, “Ronald, I plan to make Black history by becoming a famous recording artist and using that fame and success to help our community.”
“I had a vision for myself that day, and I have been living that aspiration ever since,” the coach on “The Voice” told the crowd. “I know it’s important for me to use my platform to give back … to speak out and advocate on the issues that affect us most acutely, like voting rights, education and reproductive rights, and climate justice and reforming our criminal justice system.
“People tell me to ‘shut up and sing’ all the time,” he said with a chuckle. “But I don’t let that deter me. I know how fortunate I am to be where I am, to have the power and the platform I have. I want to use it to make the world better.”
Legend, making his debut appearance with the San Francisco Symphony, was scheduled for an encore performance Wednesday, July 24.
The concerts, billed as “A Night of Songs and Stories,” take fans through the 45-year-old singer’s journey from his gospel roots to present-day success. The set list includes hits such as “Used to Love U,” “Stay With Me” and “Ordinary People,” from his 2004 debut studio album “Get Lifted,” along with covers like Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky” and the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.”
“It’s been a journey to go from those humble beginnings in Springfield, Ohio, to playing a sold-out show in this beautiful venue with this symphony,” Legend said as he wrapped up the night. “It’s a dream come true.”
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