This NPR Tiny Desk concert features the uplifting contemporary gospel music of Kirk Franklin, accompanied by his exuberant band and choir.
Recorded in an Arlington, Texas studio in these Covid-restricted times, the jubilant energy that Franklin and company emit, juxtaposed with a visual reminder of the strife that Black people have endured, is illustrative of the importance of gospel music in the Black community.
In terms of his career, for nearly 30 years, Franklin has been widely regarded for revolutionising gospel. He incorporates secular music, particularly hip-hop, while preserving the message and integrity of traditional gospel. Here, he and his powerhouse choir pace through a decades-long, 16 Grammy award-winning discography of faith, praise and encouragement while cracking plenty of jokes.
Set list:
- “Love Theory”
- “Silver and Gold”
- “Melodies From Heaven”
- “I Smile”
Musicians:
- Kirk Franklin: vocals, keys
- Melodie Pace: vocals
- Darian Elliot: vocals
- Michael Bethany: vocals
- Eboni Ellerson: vocals
- Deon Yancey: vocals
- Tia Rudd: vocals
- Shaun Martin: keyboard
- Matthew Ramsey: bass
- Terry Baker: drums, percussion
NPR Music’s Tiny Desk concert series bring netizens performances from across the world, in a stripped-down, intimate setting.
View the original video here.
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