John Legend tour maps 14 North American dates with Raphael Saadiq

R&B’s rising star John Legend is giving fans the “Green Light” to see him on the road late in 2008 with a series of 14 recently announced shows. The first leg of the North American tour kicks off November 19 at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, MN, and continues through December 13 at the Performing Arts Center in Durham, NC.

Highlights include a November 20 concert at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL, and two gigs at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ, on November 29 and December 1. A single show is booked for Canada on November 28 at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, ON. Singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq will appear as a special guest during the first leg of the tour, according to Legend’s Web site.

The singer and pianist is supporting his upcoming third studio album, “Evolver,” scheduled to hit store shelves on October 18. A follow-up to 2006’s Platinum-certified “Once Again,” the record includes collaborations with industry icons André 3000, Kanye West and Brandy, as well as a track with the British newcomer Estelle.

Legend was recently added to the all-star lineup for the October 16 Change Rocks benefit for Barack Obama, which also features his Columbia Records labelmates Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.

The crooner announced his support for the Democratic presidential nominee earlier in the political season and debuted the song “If You’re Out There” at the party’s national convention in August. The track, which is included on Legend’s upcoming album, is currently available as a download on Obama’s Web site.

Legend’s studio album debut “Get Lifted” was released late in 2004 and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The RIAA-certified double-Platinum album also earned the musician three Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album, Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for the single “Ordinary People.”

John Legend itinerary
Dates subject to change.

* Change Rocks benefit