John Legend moves fans to tears with emotional performance of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” that perfectly captured the heartbreaking story of the reggae icon’s swansong

John Legend performed Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” as a solo piano piece at the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony. The emotional rendition became the second-most-popular performance in the event’s history. A video posted on YouTube by the Nobel Prize also accumulated 4.1 million views.

Beginning with a contemplative first verse, Legend paired a husky vocal with a minimal piano accompaniment that placed Marley’s lyrics at the center. He gradually intensified the performance, alternating between crooning and belting while drawing attention to important lines. Considered him an ideal choice for the song and judged that his soulful delivery did justice to Marley.

Comments on the video reflected a similarly positive response. One viewer said Legend’s voice, piano playing and the words of the song moved them to tears. Another called it an amazing moment, saying Marley’s message remained profound and that Legend had honored him admirably.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons received the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its nuclear-disarmament efforts. Because Marley wrote about freedom from violence and other forms of oppression in “Redemption Song,” those ideas may explain why Legend selected it for the ceremony.

Watch the full performance on page two