Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Legend has signed a management deal with Roc Nation, concluding a 20-year professional relationship with his longtime manager, Ty Stiklorius.
The transition marks a significant shift for the 12-time Grammy Award winner, who had been represented by Stiklorius and her firm, Friends at Work, since the early stages of his career. Legend will now be managed by Jay Brown at Roc Nation, the entertainment agency founded by Jay-Z.
Stiklorius confirmed the amicable separation in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Twenty years is a lifetime in this business, and I’m proud of the work John and I did together that was rooted in creativity, trust, love, and ambition,” she said.
She added that she would continue to collaborate with Legend on their joint business and philanthropic ventures. “I’m energized by what’s ahead for both of us as I pass the music management baton to Jay Brown at ROC Nation. I continue to be John’s partner in the many for-profit and non-profit ventures we built together and John’s biggest champion.”
Legend has not yet made a public statement regarding the change. As recently as February, Stiklorius discussed their working relationship during a panel at a Global Citizen event.
A New Chapter with Roc Nation
Roc Nation, founded in 2008, represents a diverse roster of artists across music and sports. Its music management clients include Alicia Keys, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert, Clipse, and Megan Thee Stallion. The company also operates a sports management division representing prominent athletes in the NFL, NBA, and other leagues.
While Legend has not formally announced the signing, Roc Nation signaled the partnership by sharing a photo of the singer on its official Instagram account on Monday, highlighting his current “A Night of Songs & Stories” tour.
Ongoing Tour
Legend launched the tour on March 18 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. The intimate performance series continues through the spring with scheduled stops in Birmingham, Charleston, Virginia Beach, Newark, Portland, and other cities across the country.
In a statement released ahead of the tour, Legend described the shows as a return to a more personal format.
“I’m excited to bring A Night of Songs & Stories back – just you and me, the piano, and the stories behind the songs,” he said. “This is one of my favorite things to do; there’s something really special about these nights.”
Stiklorius continues to manage a roster of artists through Friends at Work, including Charlie Puth and The National. Her firm also remains involved in film, television, and social impact projects.
