- John Legend is partnering with Box Tops to help fundraise for schools and celebrate legendary teachers
- Legend tells PEOPLE that he’s also getting ready for the back-to-school season with his four kids — Wren Alexander, 13 months, and daughter Esti Maxine, 18 months. Miles, 6, and Luna, 8
- The father of four opens up to PEOPLE about what his kids are excited to learn and why the members of their school community mean so much to them
John Legend is bringing Luna into the music business.
The creative 8-year-old is helping her dad out with a new project, the father of four revealed in a conversation with PEOPLE. The EGOT winner is partnering with Box Tops for Education to celebrate great teachers and encourage families to support their schools and give back through the Box Tops app.
“I’ve had Luna design the single art for each of my singles from the children’s album I’ve been working on. That’s been pretty cool. Having my daughter design my single covers was definitely a first,” he shares of his album, out Aug. 30.
The first of those art pieces was revealed on Friday, Aug. 9, when Legend shared news of the children’s album, My Favorite Dream, on Instagram. Not only did Luna design the art for the track, but she also provides backing vocals with brother Miles, 6, and mom Chrissy Teigen.
“The first single is the signature anthem for the album. It’s called ‘L-O-V-E’ and it features Chrissy, Luna, and Miles singing backing vocals (Luna’s & Miles’s first album credit!). And Luna designed and drew all the single covers for the album too!” he proudly shared with his audience.
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“I’ve been talking to Luna a lot. I see how empathetic she is and it just reminds me that we should all try to be more empathetic. It’s important to pay attention to other people’s concerns and needs and feelings. I see that in Luna and it makes me proud and reminds me I should strive to be like that too.”
In addition to Luna and Miles, Legend shares Wren Alexander, 13 months and Esti Maxine, 18 months, with Teigen.
“Wren took his first steps a couple of weeks ago, so that was exciting. He was our last one who had yet to walk, so that was cool,” the proud dad says.
“Esti and Wren love music. We do a little music class at our house with other kids their age. So it’s like a bunch of one-year-olds and in a room banging on little percussion instruments and singing along with their teachers,” he adds.
“It’s pretty cool to watch. They’re really into music right now and just exploring. There’s so much for them to learn and explore and the world’s kind of opening up to them now.”
Legend and Teigen are big on the importance of giving back to their local community and supporting schools. As part of the partnership, the singer, 45, visited Westport Heights Elementary School in Los Angeles, a Title 1 school that receives federal funding to support the academic achievement of low-income students. Box Tops for Education will also provide nine additional schools in need across the country with $30,000.
“I recently had the heartwarming opportunity to meet inspiring educators from Westport Heights Elementary School, right in my backyard of Los Angeles,” he says. “I was thrilled to help Box Tops award $30,000 to support their school’s new outdoor space, and I’ve seen it for myself – downloading the Box Tops app is one of the easiest ways for families to show support to educators who are making a difference in our communities.”
After some time in Paris enjoying the Olympics, Legend is looking forward to an exciting second half of the year.
“I have the children’s album coming soon, and I’m really excited for that to come out and for people to hear what I’ve written and made for this album. I’ll be doing a bunch more shows through the summer and early fall. I’m looking forward to some great shows and then I’ll be continuing to write more music. Hopefully, I’ll make another regular John Legend album soon and get back in the studio for that. It’s about always creating, always performing.”
