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Legend Highlights New Artists On TV Special

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By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, The Associated Press

Published: December 16, 2007

NEW YORK - It was less than two years ago that John Legend won a Grammy for best new artist. Now the soul crooner is paving the way for new artists on his own label - including his kid brother.

"He's a really good singer, and he's also a really good lyricist," Legend said of Vaughn Anthony, his sibling. "So I think he's got a lot of potential."

Legend, 28, features Anthony and other artists from his Home- school Records label in the special "Baileys Entertainment Presents Get Together With John Legend," which airs at 9 tonight on the TV One cable channel.

Besides Anthony, it features performances from British singer-rapper Estelle, who is to make her Atlantic Records debut next year, and the throwback trio The James Group. Legend also performs his hits, such as "Ordinary People."

Legend said guiding the careers of others isn't much different from what he does in his own career.

"I don't feel like it's a dramatic shift. Either way I'm a fan of music, and I love making records that someone can be proud of," he said.

Legend co-wrote and sang background on some of the songs on Estelle's album, "Shine," due out in May, and performs a duet with her. He plans to do the same for Anthony, whose album has yet to be completed. But he said he's careful to make sure each of his artists have their own sound.

"I want them to have their own identity, and that's the reason why I signed them," he said.

Legend said Estelle caught his ear with her lyrics and voice - and "that unique combination of being able to credibly sing and rap, which not many people have."

His brother clearly didn't need help getting Legend's attention, but he says he didn't know Anthony was serious about singing until after Legend started having success; for the past two years, Anthony has been singing backup for Legend on his tours.

"I'm really frank with him, and I really look at it like I'm his mentor," Legend said.

"We tease each other; we do everything brothers do."

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