John Legend performed at the opening of the “Oculus” mall at Ground Zero on Tuesday — for VIPs and thousands of shoppers lining the balconies — and reminisced about working as a consultant who moonlighted at clubs while trying to land a record deal in 2001.
“I’ve lived in New York for a very long time. I was here back in 2001 when the city was broken, but we are strong now, and we were able to rebuild,” Legend said. “I was trying to get a record deal and I was turned down by every label, including the one I am signed to now. But I kept trying.”
He headlined a day of events for the grand opening at Westfield World Trade Center, which also included performances by Leslie Odom Jr. and the Harlem Gospel Choir.