Last updated on: November 18, 2024

John Legend is one of the biggest names in music today. But behind his success is a family that played a big role in shaping him into the man he is. One of the most important figures in John’s life is his father, Ronald Stephens. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Ronald Stephens is and how he influenced John’s life and career.

Early Life and Family

Ronald Stephens was originally from Springfield, Ohio where he was born and raised. He spent most of his life working in a factory and also served in the National Guard. Music had always been a part of Ronald’s life. He was a drummer and singer who introduced his love of music to his children. Ronald and Phyllis, John Legend’s mother, had four children, and John is the oldest.

Regrettably, Ronald and Phyllis got divorced when John was ten years old. Even though the marriage ended, Ronald is a significant person in the life of John. He mainly raised John and his siblings by himself. Even at his worst, Ronald ensured his children got the best. He made sure they were provided for, everything gave in to feed them and yet more.

Father Role

Ronald, or more affectionately known as “Popz” by John, made a big impact on the life of John. Despite busy work, Ronald always managed to find ample time to nurture music in John. He learned life lessons about humility, integrity, and the value of doing things the right way. Ronald helped John become the person he is today.

Many times John has stated that his father’s support meant everything to him. Ronald was not there only to advise. He was there in the good and the bad. As John began his career in music, Ronald believed in him and pushed him on.

Ronald’s Career and Life After Raising His Kids

Ronald had been working in a factory for so many years, and he decided he needed to open his business. He opened a hat-making business which he titled “Pop Topz.” This idea was developed since Ronald became bald; hence, he had to turn the problem into a solution. It was through Ronald’s creativity and skills that he transformed this personal problem into an opportunity to share his love for hats with other people.

Ronald’s life changed when he remarried in 2017. Then he married Deidre Hamlar; they live a happy life. They even came on John and Chrissy Teigen’s holiday special. With this marriage, Ronald found more joy in his life, and he is having a blast time with his wife.

Influence on John Legend’s Music Career

Because his father is very fond of music and is a drummer himself, the sounds of music have been part of John’s life since birth. Ronald, who had inspired John into making music himself, grew up within the context of a musical family. Ronald encouraged John to pursue music, along with his wife Phyllis and his siblings.

Ronald played a huge role in John’s early musical education. While John’s mother, Phyllis, was also influential as the director of a church choir, Ronald’s influence in the home was equally important. He encouraged John’s love of music and always saw to it that he had all the tools he needed to develop his skills. “My father was great,” John says. “He was always there to encourage me.”

READ ALSO: John Legend Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Family, Facts & More

Family Today

John is bonded closely even with his father up to today. Even though they faced some tough moments, like the divorce issue, he never lost his strong bonding. John is a father and married to Chrissy Teigen. He has four kids with her. Ronald is a proud grandfather always supporting John’s family.

His father, John said, loved and taught him how to believe on family and life. He also added that he is grateful for the sacrifices made for him and their siblings by his father.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com