Prince‘s former manager, Charles Koppelman, is sharing some behind-the-scenes details about John Legend‘s performance at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, revealing that the singer was initially hesitant to perform a tribute to the late music icon.

Legend’s Initial Hesitation

According to Koppelman, who managed Prince from 1978 to 1988, Legend was initially hesitant to perform a tribute to Prince at the DNC due to concerns about how it would be received by fans and critics alike.

‘John Legend was hesitant to do it because he was worried about how people would react,’ Koppelman told TMZ. ‘He was worried that people would think he was trying to capitalize on Prince‘s death.’

The Decision to Perform

Despite his initial reservations, Legend ultimately decided to go ahead with the tribute, which featured a rendition of Prince‘s hit song ‘Nothing Compares 2 U.’ Koppelman believes that Legend’s decision to perform the tribute was a testament to his respect for Prince and his music.

‘John Legend is a huge Prince fan, and he wanted to do something special for him,’ Koppelman said. ‘He was very respectful of Prince and didn’t want to do anything that would be seen as disrespectful or exploitative.’

Behind-the-Scenes Details

Koppelman also shared some behind-the-scenes details about the preparation for Legend’s performance, revealing that the singer spent hours rehearsing the song in order to get it just right.

‘John spent hours rehearsing the song, making sure it was perfect,’ Koppelman said. ‘He wanted to make sure that he did justice to Prince‘s memory and legacy.’

Prince‘s Legacy

Prince passed away in April 2016 at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and beloved musicians of all time. Koppelman believes that Prince‘s music continues to resonate with fans today because of its timeless appeal and universal themes.

‘Prince‘s music is timeless because it speaks to people on a deep level,’ Koppelman said. ‘His songs are about love, heartbreak, and the human experience, which are universal themes that people can relate to.’

Conclusion

John Legend‘s tribute to Prince at the 2020 DNC was a heartfelt and respectful homage to the late music icon, and it was clear that the singer put a lot of thought and effort into the performance. As Koppelman noted, Prince‘s music continues to resonate with fans today, and it’s likely that we’ll see many more tributes to the legendary musician in the years to come.

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