Never Break

Album: Bigger Love (2020)
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Songfacts®:

  • John Legend wrote most of his Bigger Love album back in 2019 but by the time he released it the world was locked down because of Covid-19, and protesters were demonstrating against the George Floyd killing. He closes the record with this ballad about perseverance through adversity, which became even more meaningful in the light of the pandemic and protests.

    "I felt like this song would be the perfect ending for the album," said Legend during an online listening session. "Given the moment we're living through right now and the need for love to help us get through all these tough challenges together."
  • Legend wrote the emotive song in early 2019 with:

    Mr. Hudson (aka English singer-songwriter/producer Ben Hudson), who is known for his work with Kanye West ("Paranoid"), Jay-Z ("Young Forever") and JP Cooper ("September Song"). Mr. Hudson had his own hit song in 2009 with "Supernova."

    Canadian songwriter and producer Nasri, who is one half of the duo The Messengers along with Adam Messinger. The pair have produced a string of hits for the likes of Justin Bieber ("Never Say Never"), Chris Brown ("Next 2 You") and Pitbull ("Feel This Moment"). Nasri also fronts the reggae fusion band MAGIC!, whose song "Rude" became an international hit single in 2014.

    Frequent Katy Perry collaborator Greg Wells. The Canadian producer's other credits include OneRepublic's "Apologize" and Adele's "One and Only."
  • Legend performed "Never Break" on his signature grand piano in a deserted theater to close out night two of the virtual Democratic National Convention on August 18, 2020. As the song reached its crescendo, a socially distant choir accompanied the singer.

    "Thanks to the Democratic Convention for asking me to close out a powerful night with my new song 'Never Break,'" he later tweeted. "The song is about love, hope and resilience, and I think we could all use some of that right now."

    Legend was one of several performers that played the convention in 2020, with artists like Maggie Rogers, Leon Bridges and Billie Eilish also featuring.
  • John Legend sang this while seated at a grand piano during the 2020 Billboard Awards on October 14, 2020. He dedicated his performance to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, just a few weeks after they lost their baby during her pregnancy.

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