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Deets: John Legend hosted a private release party for families and kids as he performed an intimate concert featuring some Fisher-Price bops off his new upcoming album.  

As part of the launch event, John conducted a Q&A for attendees as well as the performance.

“I’m right in the thick of fatherhood,” says Legend, father of daughter Luna (8), son Miles (6) and two toddlers, daughter Esti and son Wren. “My parents loved to sing around the house, making up bedtime songs for us and songs to motivate and inspire us. And Chrissy and I also love singing to our kids. We make up little jingles and ditties for them all the time. In our home, music is very important to the way we interact and communicate with them.”

And that’s what sparked My Favorite Dream. At his wife’s suggestion, Legend played his own interpretation of one of his babies’ favorite songs, “Maybe” — the hit single about a Purple Monkey in a Bubblegum Tree from the award-winning Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym. Teigen and Legend later shared a video of him serenading their daughter Esti at the family piano. The heartfelt moment inspired fans to encourage Legend to release an album of children’s songs and lullabies.

“Once I started thinking about it, I decided I wanted to write a whole new children's album,” recalls Legend. “I just took it on as a challenge to write some original lullabies and children's songs that I would want my kids to hear, something we could share with kids and parents all over the world.”

All of the original songs’ themes and lyrics were inspired by conversations and life messages shared with his children, ranging from the power of love (“L-O-V-E”) to family (“We’re a Family”), comfort (“Always Come Back”) and dealing with sadness (“When I Feel Sad”). Rounding out the set are Legend’s reinterpretations of two popular songs — “Three Little Birds” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

Legend co-executive produced My Favorite Dream with singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, who also doubled as the project’s producer. In crafting the album, Legend wanted the first half to mirror the “catchy and fun” rhythm and energy of the music classes that his children attend, where they sing along and play percussive instruments. In turn, the latter half exudes a more calming, ready-for-bed vibe.

Of working with Stevens for the first time, Legend praises the indie artist’s “sense of whimsy, adventure and dreaminess. I just felt his musical approach would be perfect for building arrangements and soundscapes to complement the songs. When I was thinking about who could bring these songs to life with me, he was the first and only choice. I’m so glad he said ‘yes’. ”

At a time when social discord is at an all-time high, My Favorite Dream — with its mix of bright grooves, lush orchestration and universal themes — stands out as an inspirational beacon.

MY FAVORITE DREAM TRACKLIST:
1. We're a Family
2. When I Feel Sad
3. Three Little Birds
4. L-O-V-E (feat. Chrissy, Luna & Miles)
5. Deep in the Ocean Blue
6. For You
7. You Are My Sunshine
8. When We Fly
9. Safe
10. Go to Sleep
11. Always Come Back
12. We're a Family (Solo Piano)
13. Great, Great Day (Bonus Track)
14. Friendship (Bonus Track)
15. Maybe (Bonus Track)

Hint for the Average Socialite: This event is strictly invite only.

Listen to the lead single, L-O-V-E, here. Pre-save the album before it is officially released on August 30

What’s Trending: @johnlegend @fisherprice