John Legend - All of Me

About "All of Me" - John Legend

"All of Me" is one of the most beloved romantic ballads of the 21st century, written by John Legend as a dedication to his wife, model Chrissy Teigen. Released in 2013, the song became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and becoming the most popular wedding song of its era. Its simple, heartfelt lyrics about accepting someone completely—"all your perfect imperfections"—resonated with millions. The song demonstrates how authentic personal emotion can create universal connection.

John Legend: Soul Piano Man

John Legend (born John Roger Stephens) is a classically-trained pianist and singer who brought sophisticated musicality to contemporary R&B and pop. His music combines the emotional depth of classic soul with modern pop production, always anchored by his piano playing and smooth vocals. "All of Me" showcases his ability to write deceptively simple songs—the piano part is straightforward, but the emotional impact is profound. This simplicity makes his music particularly suited for piano learners.

The Modern Piano Ballad

"All of Me" exemplifies the contemporary piano ballad: simple, repeating chord progressions that create familiarity and emotional safety, lyrics that feel conversational and honest rather than poetic, melody that prioritizes emotional delivery over technical virtuosity, and production that keeps piano at the center. The song's power comes from emotional authenticity—it feels like Legend is singing directly to one person, which makes every listener feel like that person.

About This Medium Difficulty Sheet

This intermediate arrangement preserves the song's essential piano foundation while adding appropriate harmonic richness. Students learn contemporary pop/R&B piano style, expressive singing-tone technique, and how to convey deep emotion through relatively simple musical means. The piece teaches that musical impact doesn't require complexity—sincerity, good phrasing, and emotional honesty can be more powerful than technical pyrotechnics.

Performance Approach

• Listen to John Legend's vocal phrasing for interpretive guidance
• Play with sincerity and emotional honesty, not showiness
• Use the piano's singing tone capabilities fully
• Let the song build gradually from intimate to full emotional expression
• Think about someone you love while playing—it should feel personal
• Use rubato (tempo flexibility) in emotional moments
• Remember this is about vulnerability and acceptance

Musical Development

• Teaches contemporary R&B/pop piano style
• Develops expressive, emotionally honest playing
• Introduces modern wedding ballad tradition
• Builds understanding of simplicity's emotional power
• Explores piano as foundation of pop production
• Demonstrates personal songwriting creating universal impact

Perfect For

• Intermediate students wanting romantic repertoire
• Wedding ceremony or reception performances
• Fans of John Legend and contemporary R&B
• Students interested in emotional, heartfelt ballads
• Developing expressive singing-tone technique
• Anyone wanting to play one of the era's most iconic love songs