My Fantasy Band: John Legend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Drums - Questlove
Let's have Questlove from The Roots on drums as we've just done this album together and he's such a great drummer. He's brilliant to watch, he's got great rhythm and he's got a lot of musical knowledge so he's a great band-leader.
Bass - James Jamerson
He's phenomenal and one of the icons of bass-playing. I can't even remember all of the tracks he played on, there were so many, but "My Girl" is my dad's favourite song. He did a bunch with Marvin Gaye and "For Once in My Life" with Stevie Wonder, too. He did so many other greater Motown hits.
Drum Program - Kanye West
Since it's 2010, I'm gonna have a drum programmer and it's gonna be Kanye. It adds a little extra flavour to your show and I do use programmed drums sometimes. He's one of the best in the business. He and I just did a show together where it was him rapping, me on the piano and singing and him using the drum machine. It was pretty cool.
Guitar - Jimi Hendrix
The only reason why not is because he's such a superstar, he would overshadow me. He's obviously incredible. Such a rock star, such a great, soulful, interesting guy.
Piano - Nina Simone
Not because she was the greatest pianist but because she had a really distinctive style and a great sense of rhythm. Her feel was what I loved about her so much I think that I'm influenced by her playing style a lot.
Vocals - Aretha Franklin
She is one of my favourite singers. If you listen to some of her great recordings it is magical how well she sings. She has so much soul, so much range, so much skill in her phrasing; just a phenomenal singer.
The album 'Wake Up!' by John Legend and The Roots is out on Sony. www.johnlegend.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments