When John Legend reached out to a porn producer with similar name

Musician John Legend had to strike a deal with porn producer Johnny Legend before he could use his stage name.

The 44-year-old 'So High' crooner was originally named John Roger Stephens and, when he decided he wanted to adopt the performing moniker 'Legend' after advice from Kanye West and poet J. Ivy, he discovered he'd have to clear the trademark with the adult film boss.

"I was born John Stevens. A friend of mine started calling me John Legend. Kanye kind of blew it up when he put it on one of his recordings," he said.