We talked to John Legend about his special connection to Alabama: Catch his unique show on March 23

You’ve likely seen John Legend in the judge’s chair on “The Voice” or been among the 3 billion+ listeners of hits like “All of Me,” but it’s rare to see this EGOT-winner (that means he’s won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony—and he’s the second-youngest person to ever do so) without all the production, big stage show or backup support.

Now’s your chance.

Legend is intentionally selecting intimate venues for his new tour, and he’s making a stop at the BJCC Concert hall on Monday, March 23. He’s ready to share more behind-the-scenes stories, like what draws him to Alabama.

We had the chance to chat with him ahead of his Birmingham show to learn what fans can expect, why he loves Alabama and how there might be a few surprises in store at the show.

Why this tour is different for John Legend

Larger concerts can sometimes feel like you might as well be watching from your couch, but if you’re looking for something a little deeper, this show is right up your alley.

It’ll just be John and his piano this time, flooding the more intimate BJCC Concert Hall with solo renditions from across his song catalogue. In between, you’ll hear stories about what inspired his writing and how his life experience has influenced his performances of them—plus a little fun, laughter and tears along the way.

“It’s just me on the stage by myself having a real conversation with the audience where I talk about my life and my story, and I weave it together with a bunch of songs from throughout my career.

I’m singing songs that were created with full production, beats and arrangement and stripping these songs down to their bare essence, so it forces you to connect with the lyrics and melody more.

I reveal a lot about my life, including a lot of stuff people don’t know about me.”

_{John Legend, in an interview with Bham Now}

Sounding like your type of show? Here’s details:

• See: John Legend: A Night of Sounds + Stories
• When: Monday, March 23, 2026 at 8PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall | 2100 Richard Arrington Blvd N + parking tips
• Buy tickets: $35+ | Pick out your seat now

John Legend’s connection to Birmingham + Alabama

Though Legend has played a handful of shows over the years across the state, his last performance at BJCC Concert Hall was in 2005 opening for Alicia Keys. Memories of “delicious soul food” here still linger in his mind, and it has him excited to sample some again (we’ve got some great meat-and-threes you should check out while you’re here, John!).

What’s created an even more lasting impact has been his time spent in Selma, researching and working on music for the 2014 movie “Selma,” that featured his Oscar-winning song “Glory.” Spoiler alert: He’ll be talking about the experience at his Monday night show:

“I’ll talk about writing that song and what it meant to me, what it meant to the film and what it meant to come visit Alabama and commemorate the anniversary [of the bridge crossing].

So that’ll be something special and unique to share with you, Alabama, and obviously Birmingham was so important in the history of the civil rights movement, which wouldn’t have happened without the folks of Alabama.”

_{John Legend, in an interview with Bham Now}

When he’s not making audiences laugh along to his stories or cry in connection to his songs, he’s excited about debuting his first Broadway musical this fall. In the meantime, John Legend is looking forward to some good old Southern hospitality in Birmingham this Monday night.

Will we see you at John Legend’s show on Monday, March 23rd? Grab a good seat now and let us know!