While the band John the Conqueror began only a few years ago, the Legend of John the Conqueror is much older. It is a tale that has been around since the first slaves were brought from Africa, so it is a part of the story of the birth of America. John the Conqueror was a prince who was taken from his home and sold into slavery. He was beaten but he was never broken. He was placed in chains but his mind remained free. He was clever man who could deceive and delude his master at will.