John Legend

Released: November 1, 2013

Songwriter: Traditional

Producer: John Legend

[Chorus]
Roll Jordan roll
Roll Jordan roll
I want to get to heaven when I die
To hear ol' Jordan roll

Roll Jordan roll
Roll Jordan roll
Oh, I want to get to heaven when I die
To hear ol' Jordan roll

[Verse 1]
My brother, you ought to been there
Yes, my Lord
A-sitting in the kingdom
To see ol' Jordan roll

[Chorus]
Roll Jordan roll
Roll Jordan roll
Oh, I want to get to heaven when I die
To hear ol' Jordan roll

[Verse 2]
My mother, you ought to been there (ooh)
Yes, my Lord
A-sitting in the kingdom
To see ol' Jordan roll, ooh

[Chorus]
Roll Jordan roll (roll Jordan roll)
Roll Jordan roll, oh
I want to get to heaven when I die
To hear ol' Jordan roll
Oh, I want to get to heaven when I die
To see ol' Jordan roll

John Legend was born in 1978 in Ohio. He became an in-demand session musician and songwriter, working with such artists as Alicia Keys, Twista and Janet Jackson. He was soon introduced to up-and-coming hip-hop artist Kanye West, and the two musicians collaborated on one another’s demos.

J. Ivy claims credit for bestowing the “Legend” moniker upon John Stephens (with an assist from Kanye West). Via

Kanye was like, ‘Have you heard of this singer called John Stephens?’ He played me this song from him, that I think will.i.am produced. It was so refreshing and soulful. An hour later, John Stephens comes into the studio. I told him, ‘I heard your music. It’s so amazing. It sounds old school. Man, you sound like one of the legends. You’re a legend. Matter of fact, that’s what I am going to call you from now The Legend. A couple days later, we were in the lounge of the studio (Record Plant) and John Stephens walks in and everyone shouts him out. I was like, ‘John Legend!’ Kanye then said, ‘You’re John Legend from now on. That’s your name!’”

more tracks from the album

12 Years a Slave (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)

From the album

12 Years a Slave (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) (2013)

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Roll Jordan RollJohn Legend

John Legend

12 Years a Slave (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)