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John Legend Recounts Deal With Porn Producer to Secure Rights to His Stage Name

He says trademark checks uncovered a performer called Johnny Legend, prompting a no-lawsuit pact that kept their work in separate lanes.

Overview

  • The account appears in the premiere episode of Amazon Studios’ Words + Music, which debuted Nov. 30 on MGM+.
  • Legend says the agreement established that he would perform as John Legend in soul music while the other entertainer continued as Johnny Legend elsewhere.
  • He adds that both parties agreed not to sue and not to trade on the other's identity or genres, noting he avoided porn and rockabilly.
  • The nickname began when poet J. Ivy called him “the legend” during sessions for Kanye West’s 2004 album The College Dropout.
  • Entertainment outlets have identified Johnny Legend as Martin Margulies, a detail reported from media accounts rather than legal records.