Ledisi: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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Published 2017-11-28

Nov. 21, 2017 | Suraya Mohamed --Singer and songwriter Ledisi is a veteran R&B queen, which she immediately affirmed at the Tiny Desk with her powerful opening tune "Let Love Rule." It's the title song of her latest album, and a dazzling display of vocal range and technique. And yet, it hardly showcases the full scope of her artistic expertise. Classically trained, Ledisi is also celebrated as a jazz artist, which she clearly demonstrated when she broke out into a effortless scat outro on her second song, "I Blame You."

With nine Grammy nominations and an impressive discography, it's easy to be awed by her musical accomplishments. But in person, what's just as impressive as her exquisite artistry is her radiant spirit of contentment and grace. You can see it when Terrell, her makeup artist, goes behind the desk between songs to powder her face. (It was an exceptionally hot day.) Ledisi responded to the interruptions not like a diva, but with humor, humility and gratitude.

The lyrics to the third song, "Add To Me," speak to having self-confidence and ensuring self-care in any relationship: "I've been in a spiritual space / So when it's getting hard, don't break / Show me you're a winner, I don't need a quitter / How you gon' add to me?" Ledisi finishes the set with a tribute to Prince and even more positive messaging. "High" is about being high on life — a reminder that no matter what chaos and circumstances exist, we should all find one good thing to love every day.

Set List

"Let Love Rule"
"I Blame You"
"Add To Me"
"High"

Musicians

Ledisi (vocals); Sara Williams (vocals); Kerry Marshall (guitar); James Agnew (percussion)

Credits

Producers: Suraya Mohamed, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Beck Harlan, Alyse Young; Production Assistant: Salvatore Maicki; Photo: Jennifer Kerrigan/NPR

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All Comments (21)

@nprmusic 10 months ago

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths – a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-tr…
@TheSharbin 4 years ago

The background singer is a beast sitting down on all that RANGE!!!🤯
@butchfisher1282 4 years ago

1 guitar, a wood box, 1 lead Sanger, 1background Sanger - - DOPE
@jamilasheriff9062 3 years ago

She didn’t come to be a back up singer. She came for a duet
@msjesethkameta 4 years ago

If “comfortable in your own skin” was a concert.
@Chan2renee 6 years ago

Hats off to the back ground singer. Ledisi is a lot to keep up with.
@pearlbarkley1019 5 years ago

Ledisi demonstrates how the human voice is the most profound instrument of all...
@user-zh2ie4hw1t 3 months ago

It's 2024 and I'm still listening to her music I'm so Glad she payed tribute to prince he Was a Great Artist
@dhuwellsmatheus5 5 years ago

Sarah you get a standing ovation for singing back up for Ledisi and keeping up with her. Ledisi is UNDERRATED!!!
@tajcameron5965 5 years ago

Ledisi is a vocal technician.
@nichiespeaks8097 6 years ago

The industry does not celebrate this beautiful songstress' talent enough. May she keep putting out music for those of us that recognize REAL vocal artist.
@theoriginal601 4 years ago

I’m at home, 2 years later, clapping in my bed like I’m there in the audience. Ledisi is a TREASURE!
@MrBlackBono 4 years ago

Do you see how far away ledisi is from the mic ? THATS IS POWERFUL VOCAL
@5ocean7 5 years ago

Ledisi's scat game is the best in the business!
@antoniothompson5514 5 years ago

The background singer is a whole mood!
@veehorton1026 3 years ago

She truly doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. Loves her spirit, longevity & humility. True queen with a crown 👑❤️❤️❤️🦋🦋🦋
@jusjay...4745 5 years ago

Ledisi is one of those artists that you must see live before you die. Just like Luther said "So Amazing".👍
@traceyjones7551 6 years ago

Her smile makes me smile.... Feels like we're friends..
@SanginSara 6 years ago

Glad so many of you enjoyed this performance! 🤗🤗
@MsDorisann 4 years ago

Ledisi is a FORCE to reckoned with, period!!! Love Ledisi. Sarah is killing it as well!!!! Ledisi and that nasty scat was for the good gods. One of the most iconic voices in the music industry. Thanks NPR!!!!