Charley Crockett: Tiny Desk Concert

Jewly Hight | February 24, 2023
Charley Crockett knew what he was doing when he stood behind the Tiny Desk and introduced himself by smoothly dropping three names: Charley Pride, Davy Crockett and Freddy Fender. With those references, the Texas troubadour framed his concert as a shrewd conversation with sturdy, old ways of singing, spinning yarns of folk heroism and drawing freely from the cultural melting pot of American song.
In his vintage Stetson, Crockett came off as a seasoned and courtly showman. Here and there he invoked his own colorful lore, from his legal troubles to his street-corner busking days. But what really charmed the intimate office crowd on hand was how much new meaning he teased out of familiar country, folk and blues forms over the course of five songs with accomplished ease.
In his version of a murder ballad, "The Man from Waco," he dwelled not on the ruthless act committed, but the psychological turmoil radiating from it. His country-blues number "Are We Lonesome Yet" captured the dissonance between inner alienation and contemporary clamor in a wonderfully knowing way. And his performance of "Welcome to Hard Times," rhythmically loose and swinging thanks to his Kullen Fox's honky-tonk piano flourishes, revealed glimpses of carefully guarded sensitivity alongside the song's wry fatalism. "Hope you're feelin' welcome," Crockett chuckled dryly, "to hard times." The way that he ended certain lines with subtle, upward scoops in melody said a lot: He didn't need big, flashy gestures to make deep feelings land.
SET LIST
"The Man from Waco"
"Are We Lonesome Yet"
"Welcome to Hard Times"
"The Death of Bill Bailey"
"Odessa"
MUSICIANS
Charley Crockett: vocals, guitar
Kullen Fox: piano, trumpet, guitar, vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Catie Dull, Sofia Seidel
Audio Assistant: Josephine Nyounai
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Joshua Bryant, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #charleycrockett

[@nprmusic]

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-truths

[@BetterEveryDay696]

What does this have to do with Charley Crockett?

[@Drstarstruckwvu]

No, I don’t think I will.

[@CameronL211]

@@BetterEveryDay696he is mixed?

[@jimrustle]

Nah

[@willardjohnston2133]

Speaking truth to power. Let me guess, white guilt projected at some stated hierarchy that only lives in their heads for the purpose of propping up their victim-hood, or more pathetically their cheap words of defense for those they presume defenseless. That is racism. Yeah, no thanks.

[@MrAyrit]

I love Charley Crockett, but that dude playing the piano and trumpet at the same time is kind of blowing my mind.

[@Daltoz34]

In person it’s even crazier.

[@scotthead8249]

Yes, that is pretty talented.

[@m.m6770]

I know it. Blew my mind watching him live. My daughter 11 loves Charley and this was her first concert front row in a little outdoor venue in Montana

[@DingDongDaddyFromDumas933]

He's got his own fan club for a reason dudes slick as they come smooth as butter.

[@andrewwilliams9887]

@@Daltoz34especially when the spot light hit him

[@brettburton8801]

I have all Charley’s records. I put them on and dance with my 3 year old daughter. As soon as I get home from work she starts chanting “dadas music” and I know she’s asking for Charley.

[@wheninroamful]

Beautiful.

[@mattsparks1399]

Charley Crockett is indeed daddy.

[@olivialimon5167]

​@@mattsparks1399lol 😆 😂

[@blindrider38]

Dad?

[@pauladams1006]

Keep it up my best memories are of dancing with my mom in the kitchen so I taught my 3 daughters to do the same

[@palacecat]

Folks, please please see Charley and his band when they come to your town! He closed out the last show I saw by unplugging his guitar and using the guitar cable to lasso the mic stand, then walked off stage like a BOSS.

[@MrWeeener]

He did same exact thing in Glasgow, I showed him horns, hook 'em up cowboy

[@TreeShark]

Just saw him last night opening up for Chris Stapleton! He was really amazing

[@alastairhenry9889]

Did this last night in Sydney Australia

[@ElMik3]

I missed last year’s concert in Edmonton, and regretted it The second I saw he’s coming here May 24th, my whole family got tickets for my birthday I can’t wait for it man, everyone says how good he and his band is live

[@chrisgore5178]

Seeing him at red rocks in September. Yeeeeet

[@VincentVader]

Crockett is the modern voice of old school country & western music.

[@connorm1817]

Colter Wall but I hear u

[@alexgray8804]

@@connorm1817 sierra ferrel but the boys are both pretty good

[@acidfilth2007]

Between him colter wall sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers I think it's the best the genre has had since Roger Miller and Johnny cash a townes van zandt

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

@@alexgray8804 They really need to get her in here and perform.... I'm stoked i'm seeing her next weekend...hopefully Josey Toney is still in the band....

[@waldofaldo7267]

Can’t wait for Railbird Festival coming up. Charley Crockett, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, Local Honeys etc. Going to be awesome.

[@Sharkuleez]

My jaw actually dropped when the keyboardist pulled out the trumpet. Amazing.

[@queencupcake09]

That same guy also played a guitar on another song 😁

[@jonasp.30]

He does it all he’s half the instruments in Charley’s band

[@sam4secretary]

Kullen Fox = wonderful wizard

[@BigLje7]

Charley did call him the magic man

[@ScottSmithMusic]

Me too! Dang.

[@therealbigballski]

This man is a living legend. Sounds wonderful on stage, and his range of music styles is incredible. Check him out, spread his name.

[@herb_2]

Not to mention a ridiculous life story. Hope he gets a full documentary/biography someday. From living on the streets, to jail, to heart surgery, all while making country music.

[@BenJohnson0531]

His stage performance is truly brilliant

[@pauladams1006]

I'm a metal Singer and love charlie 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@danielcampbell9344]

I start arguments when I say his music is better than almost anything in the last 10 years. They can have Childers and Simpson, give me more of Charley

[@toterola451]

​@@danielcampbell9344 room for all artists. It's not a popularity contest. 😎

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

Wasn't planning on listening to a full tiny desk at 3 am but here I am. Grateful I did

[@wlbh7123]

Best time really.

[@pauladams1006]

We saw him on pbs years ago been a fan since...🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@davidvaillancourt]

Same haha

[@watchtower0988]

3am is the BEST time to find music, night owl buddy.

[@RDD2OH13]

Seen him twice live. Second time he brought out his close friend Leon Bridges to sing old country and blues together. Unreal performer and just an authentic and interesting guy. Congrats on the well deserved attention charley

[@jordanlakey3681]

Awesome to know! Love Leon! Who says good music ain’t alive?!

[@notloc984]

Dude I’ve said in the past they’d be an amazing duo. I’d love to see a collaboration between the two.

[@shannonmelsted1459]

I would simply pass away

[@FrankCoPenn]

Here lies the talent from a man in the seated position 🎺 🎹 🎩

[@KISSMYACE3203]

I listen to a lot of music at work in the background and thought there was a 3rd person, upon just now watching, it caught me off gaurd. I could never do that.

[@DougGunty]

Cullen Fox (he has his own fan club)

[@theDfLopes]

dude, what does he not play?

[@aj2656]

This man payed two instruments at the same time! Charley and his band are such legends especially performing live.

[@tejastani]

But is uncredited at the end😡

[@DougGunty]

Cullen Fox is the piano man

[@pauladams1006]

Can't wait to see him live 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🇺🇲

[@wesleyleblanc9265]

Best NPR in ages. Thank you Charley

[@STaSHZILLA420]

I found Charley from the "Blackjack County Chain" cover on Western AF and It was one of the best discoveries in music for me. This man is a national treasure.

[@MrStuntmanmike417]

But is he a Texan is my favorite part of that video

[@paretalks]

As did I , caught me off guard . And been a fan ever since.

[@TheGamingAltar]

@@MrStuntmanmike417the republic of Texas that is!

[@bradydonovan3268]

The Man From Waco - 0:00 Are We Lonesome Yet - 4:11 Welcome To Hard Times - 7:14 The Death of Bill Bailey - 10:44 Odessa - 13:41 Charlie & Cullen intros + Are We Lonesome Yet origin story - 3:34 Intro to Welcome to Hard times - 6:58 The Death of Bill Bailey origin - 10:10 Odessa origin story - 13:19

[@cyprianofantioch]

Charley Crockett made me a country music fan back when I first heard him in 2020. Had the pleasure of seeing him live in 2022. Funny enough, His music is the ONLY music that my 4 year old daughter wants to listen to every time we get in my truck. She’s his biggest fan.

[@personreanimation]

My 4 year old daughter loves him so much too. When we ride in the truck she is always saying, "Can we listen to my Crockett?"

[@thetraininglogpodcast2919]

Someone wrote on social media once. "They say country music is dead; knowing good and well Charley Crockett is walkin' the earth"

[@andersonmaak2688]

I’m so glad I was able to see him play in person before he explodes in popularity and becomes impossible to see in concert. Honestly the most real and natural performance I’ve seen.

[@dsespy]

I've seen him twice, both in small venues. What a show. What a show.

[@miguelfavela2358]

Seen him 3 times, each show better than the last. What a performer!

[@gapalp]

Saw him once at a small amphitheater by a river. Him and his band gave a great show. I'm not really a fan of country, but his Americana caught me off guard with its musicality.

[@joseph616jo]

I’ve seen him 5 times and will see again!!!!

[@mollymilano5331]

I have seen him in a small bar venue in Tucson az, and even got to shake his hand and say hello after the show , the second time in phoenix with 1500 people , in my im seeing him in an even larger venue , I’m so happy I get to witness him live his dream ❤

[@Videos-hp3lb]

Guys like this are preserving real country music. Forget the "Bro-country". This is the real deal.

[@drewfudge1852]

no one in this room knew how lucky they were

[@BS-ze6ne]

My thoughts exactly

[@philvelasquez5982]

Piano then the trumpet!!! Bad dude right there!

[@philvelasquez5982]

Jesus he just pulled out a guitar. Magic man!

[@fav13andacdc]

So glad he’s getting his moment. Been listening since his James Hand cover album. You can tell he has such a huge appreciation for old school country, and I am here for it. Country revivalist!

[@brianbogan3363]

Kullen fox on the piano trumpet combo ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for bringing Charley on NPR y'all.

[@Koener1]

Charley is amazing. He found a blues country kind of sound like i've never heard before. A great artist who knows how to tell stories in a beautiful way! Love from the Netherlands Charley!

[@jackisgallant]

Well put!

[@maralh.m.2273]

Can’t wait to go to his shows in A’dam and Nijmegen this September!

[@michaelcrosby6955]

One of the tightest groups of musicians out there right now and they put on a killer show. Anyone else notice Mac Miller’s hat (from his Tiny Desk concert) in the background over Charley’s shoulder?

[@ryrymckelvey3]

Charley Crockett and Mac Miller are my two favorite artists. Good eye spotting that! I’m so happy NPR is making Mac a mainstay at the tiny desk.

[@Auntkekebaby]

Saw them live a bunch of times and they SMOKE!!!!

[@SinCityRaider81]

😭 I remember him wearing that. I just watched Macs performance earlier with Thundercat. That's amazing NPR has it.

[@jbailey2820]

1:34 I already loved Charley, but are you kidding me with the dude playing piano and trumpet at the same time?!? Amazing 🙌🏾

[@brunorodrigues6953]

So good!!! Greetings from BRAZIL

[@zurielteff]

I've been awaiting this for forever! What a delight!

[@tylerhendricks9351]

This is the first time I've ever actually seen Charley Crockett play/sing his music. I've heard a bunch of his stuff on Spotify and even got his "Man From Waco" album on vinyl for Christmas from my family because I liked it so much. It's awesome to actually see him performing, especially in a small and intimate setting! This dude is awesome.

[@devonmarcille3098]

I’ve seen Charley play in Sacramento, Tahoe, Reno, and San Francisco. It’s still not enough. Life-altering every time. Thank you CC ❤

[@odog8x16]

The man from Waco is as close to a 10/10 album you can get, love this man and his music, glad to see him getting the exposure he deserves

[@michaelgentile6418]

Keep on trucking Charley crockett!, it's good to hear this type of country music again , you got this kid , take it to the top and stay there!

[@ibrake4oxtail]

One of the best to ever do it. Long live Son of Davy

[@cameron2805]

Don't take Charley Crockett and the blue drifters for granted. They are the last of a dying breed of artists. Salute!

[@kirstieisakoolkid]

Folk music like Charley’s is making a huge comeback. There are at least a dozen artists doing an amazing job at bringing back real country.

[@Rickvaughnn]

Saw him at the state fair of Texas a few years back. You make Texas proud, Charley. Continued success.

[@Beardog77]

I wish this was an hour longer!

[@jackgirote9132]

Saw Charley in concert in Birmingham just the other day. What a great show! Charley is criminally underrated in my mind! Thanks to NPR for giving him a little publicity!

[@CPTurner]

Had the honor of seeing him in probably the coolest scenario I could’ve imagined. Texas Music Revolution in 2021, McKinney Texas. His concert had been washed out of the original outdoor venue, so they delayed it for hours. They crammed all of the hardcore Crockett fans into the courthouse in their historical district. Charley, his guitar, and hundreds of rain soaked die hard fans in one room together. Oh and Ray Wylie Hubbard sang there too.

[@RonMexico53]

Are you a die hard fan yeah? You didn't mention it..

[@nathanielhagen3652]

My wife and I have seen him on two occasions at the John T. Floore Country Store, just outside of San Antonio, in Helotes, TX. I’ve been to many a concert, and his are among the best I’ve ever seen! Genuine is an understatement for this man and his band. Well done!

[@johnpayne4112]

So glad to see Charley getting recognition. He's already a timeless classic!

[@Major_Casualtie]

This is real country music. Love me some Charley Crockett! Y'all better be booking Sierra Ferrell and Colter Wall as well!

[@acatnamedjoex4688]

Joshua Quimby, too, man

[@Syrkev15d]

Usually, I hear music for the first time on the Tiny Desk and then see them live. This time, I’m seeing Charley Crockett on the Tiny Desk six months after seeing him live. Ahead of the curve this time!

[@helene_fire]

His music is incredible, I hope to see him on stage again in Europe.

[@yannickwolff4335]

Yeah same! He was in Berlin some weeks ago, but sadly missed it :(

[@graysonhogoboom3916]

He is absolutely incredible. Best shows I have ever been to. Seen him 3 times and each time it has been in a bigger and bigger venue.

[@camksuarch]

The man certainly knows how to put on a good show no matter if it's a tiny desk, a street corner, or a summer festival. Will go to my grave singing his songs.

[@jordanlakey3681]

Just paid 25 bucks to see him in flagstaff and feel like it’s gonna be well well worth it. Some good western country and blues in the west

[@etimmz]

I've been listening to Charley Crocket for several years. His delivery & cadence have always been unique, but over time it's clear he's perfecting the craft of songwriting. I hope to see him in person, because the live performance videos I've seen (including this one) demonstrate the fact he's also a skilled performer. His latest album, the Man from Waco , is stellar.

[@_bonvibe]

Man the music is so smoooth, never heard of him before. Glad I have now.

[@samy_love]

I cry every time I listen. I hope to see him in person too. The homie on the keys, trumpet, and guitar is a legend too.

[@gulfsurfer91]

Charley is the best. Only scratching the surface of all his great songs

[@kurtvatland]

The best all around artist on the scene right now. Been a fan for years and so stoked to see him getting the recognition he so well deserves. Albums rule and still much better live. Go get it Charley!!

[@reecedonovan5790]

Great to see Charley doing well, I’ve been following him for years now and also been following tiny desk and it’s great to see him performing on here 🎶🤠

[@anonym0sender]

A surprise seeing Charlie Crockett playing the Tiny Desk, but boy is it a good one.

[@kentuckypicker2778]

im so glad i got to see charley at the ryman. it was just so perfect and cant wait to see him again. i just really wanna shake his hand and thank him for his music. hes kept my sanity at bay for a few years now

[@DuncanTheHighlander]

I wish my friend lived long enough for me to show this to him

[@sasquachjl1228]

Anyone else click thinking this was another Ed Bassmaster skit and leave wholeheartedly impressed? No? 😂 rock on Charley!

[@CTCP99]

Found him in 2020, listened to him everyday since. Own everyone of his albums, nothing like driving with crockett on

[@BenJohnson0531]

My coworker from Charlotte came up to our office in Philly around that time & showed me his music. I’ve been obsessed since.

[@clarkkc11]

He made it! Been watching Charlie since GemsOnVHS got me interested

[@jason30strange]

Saw him live in Shreveport La on this tour and he was amazing. His band is phenomenal as well. Top notch show and I fully encourage any music fan to go see him. You will be entertained.

[@orjanbaglo]

Me and my So are gonna see him in Göteborg in september😊 Can't wait!! I have The Man From Waco LP coming in the mail next week🤩

[@personreanimation]

@@orjanbaglo It will be a lifetime experience I have seen him 5 times on purpose.

[@marinkfloyd2900]

I've been listening to Charley since Nov22. All of his albums are so good, full of good songs. Cheers from Spain Charley, come here soon!!!

[@haakonkrey8489]

I feel like hes been overshadowed by his support in this one. How about a tiny desk for Kullen Fox?

[@rosevevo5448]

I’m also from San Benito,TX! Love the recognition of our little town!💜💛

[@pjano476]

Brownsville here! Love seeing the valley represented and his nod to Freddy Fender!

[@joshb8976]

My favorite country musician right now. Dudes amazing

[@austinkeller718]

I really wish that Charley would put the Ballad of Bill Bailey on an album. The Man From Waco would have been perfect place!

[@pete1609]

I saw him in November and was right up front freaking out, he’s just amazing and I’ve been obsessed for a while, I’m so glad he got his tiny desk 💜🥳

[@jennross6466]

First time listening to him. He's wonderful. I'll be sharing his music with my friends. Both musicians were terrific. Love Tiny Desk, always discovering new music.

[@annagalvann8858]

I recently saw one of Charley's billboards on a trip to Dallas, I looked for his records and loved them. I very much enjoy his sound and I'm thrilled to see Charley on a Tiny concert!

[@brandont.3978]

So Refreshing! Charley's my favorite artist currently. Thank you for putting him on NPR!

[@t1lly]

What a gem. I've been waiting for this tiny desk for three years. Man has a voice smooth as butterscotch

[@tedparkinson6892]

Based on this fabulous performance, I have signed up to see the wonderful CC in Toronto in July!! thanks NPR for your good work. This guy is the real deal.

[@kotkaconforza]

Love it! Sound that seeps of tradition and history, without sounding ossified or done to death.

[@cbanko911]

Having been a big Charley Crockett fan for a while, so stoked for him getting the recognition he deserves.

[@petelees6142]

Im in herefordshire England - charley and his mate on the piano trumpet speak to me with authenticity and originality - bravo!

[@t.thompson8985]

So happy to see Charley on Tiny Desk! Sounds just as good here as when I saw him in concert in 2021. ⭐

[@birth0fserpents]

this is my fav Ed Bassmaster character. great sound

[@Mu5icPr0ducer]

I thought the same

[@mjgarratt]

Ha, right at the beginning I had a random thought about how some type of horn would sound good in the mix... and lo and behold, the pianist is a multi-tasker.

[@wordgifts]

The piano player's face during the Odessa solo. Dude means serious business.

[@railworker8058]

I just worked a Charley concert as a stagehand. He’s a thoroughly decent and talented chap and his crew were great to work with. Make Country Great Again!

[@Jorgin-]

Whenever he’s in town..he & his band are a MUST watch! Absolute show stoppers!! 🤠🐊

[@robertandsandramantooth3689]

Thank God for Charley Crockett! Love your music 🎶

[@bryanmeisberger1707]

20th century showman... True hardworking music ledgend!! We've got a whole breed of musicians filling those shoes.

[@ulba98]

Norwegian in America here, this guy is phenomenal! It is surprising that not more people are aware of him, very much a quintessential story teller.

[@MichealJones650]

He’s pretty well known in certain circles. Obviously not mainstream or nothing, but he’s well known in the Americana scene. Puts on a great show if you ever get to see him with his band

[@thetattooedguy1413]

Charlie is incredible and needs to be way bigger than he is. This guy is a legend

[@1144Phoenix]

Love me some Charley. He's just so real. Seen him live. All of my grown children loved him before me. I feel dumb lol. I'm always late to the party. Go Charley all the way. Keeping it real country.

[@theWZZA]

Refreshingly old fashioned. Playing instruments, telling a story. Kudos to the piano player that can play trumpet at the same time.

[@wilbimcshane2530]

He has so many good tunes and albums! Love this

[@WillOwenGage]

Nicely done gentleman! See y’all around ATX…..

[@hayden6327]

Saw him in Concert last year, absolutely incredible man!

[@mac609]

Grew up on R&B, Funk and Gospel but I have an appreciation for fine talent like Charley Crocket. I must check out his catalogue.

[@Auntkekebaby]

It's all in there. Been there the whole time. Study the history of "country".

[@ojs94bronco43]

Just discovered him this week lol I hate new country but I love this sound

[@emmaharris5156]

One of my favorite artists, this video is such a treat & will be on repeat.

[@buckbickley2796]

Saw him last night in Columbia SC. Amazing performer ❤

[@Treycordie]

easily my favorite artist in country music right now

[@kevingreen4516]

I just "discovered" this guy and am glad I did. I'm especially fond of what I think is a new song he does called Trinity River. Just can't get enough of it.

[@rudymarquez1939]

Ok I haven’t listened to country in many years- this is really good. I like Are We Lonesome Yet. Very old school- nice 😊

[@TheDeecue]

Now THAT'S real country, not the pseudo rock crud that comes outta Nashville...my pops would have loved Charley....

[@ScottSmithMusic]

First time listener of Charley. So cool. What a vibe! Are we lonesome Yet…. Great writing. - ⚡️⚡️✨👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@X3X1X3X]

I generally don't listen to much country, but discovered Charley during the pandemic and was blown away by his talent. Really happy to see him here.

[@davidengel7995]

Thank you Martha’s Vineyard radio 88.7 fm for introducing us to Charley Crockett .What a talent 🎉

[@gogogoatgirl]

'Welcome to Hard Times' got me through 2020. Thanks, Charley!

[@debishelton9647]

Another amazing, intuitive, musical treat~from a gifted musician and company! Nice Charley-real nice. 🤩

[@Auntkekebaby]

YES!! How did I miss this? Yall got my Charley and the jack of all trades Kullen Fox on here? I've been waiting! Yall take yourselves to the show. TRUST!!! EVERY album in hitting.

[@valerioliva9872]

One of my favorites. Seen him 4 times and counting !