Ernest Ranglin: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

At 82, legendary guitarist Ernest Ranglin still plays the ska, reggae and jazz that he's championed and helped perfect for more than half a century. Ranglin was a key figure in shaping the sounds of ska - influenced by New Orleans jazz and R&B - in Jamaica in the late 1950s. But most of the world wouldn't hear of ska until producer Chris Blackwell teamed Ranglin up with a Jamaican singer named Millie Small. Together, they recorded "My Boy Lollipop," a song that became a smash at the height of Beatlemania and helped put ska and Jamaican music on the map forever.You've probably also heard Ranglin if you've seen the James Bond film Dr. No - particularly the scenes set in Jamaica. The effects of Ranglin's fluid and rhythmic playing on Jamaican music, from mento to reggae, are deep and long-lasting. But his work as a jazz artist is equally amazing, and here at the Tiny Desk he does a bit of everything, including music from his lyrical and wonderful album Bless Up. So watch as this humble, charming gentleman makes magic on guitar, with his talented young band Avila holding down the beat. --BOB BOILEN
Set List:
"Surfin"
"Jones Pen"
"Avila (Oscar's Song)"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Colin Marshall; Production Assistant: Sarah Tilotta; photo by Sarah Tilotta/NPR

[@deweypug]

Because NPR does not do it, here are the musicians playing: Ernest Ranglin (lead guitar) Angeline Saris (bass), Jonathon Korty (keys), Ian Herman (drums) and Tony Mindel (guitar)

[@boogygottsmann4728]

The drummer, Ian Herman is a fellow South African from Cape Town...here he plays quite passively but this man is a maestro...I've seen/heard him play two, or could it even be three, different rhythms at the same time...Sweet sounds here...

[@robbiemize]

@deweypug good call i never noticed but what is up with that??? Thanks fir sharing the crew and enlightening. Hopefully @tinydesk is reading these......

[@boogygottsmann4728]

Ian Herman is a homeboy of mine (South Africa)...used to share a house with him too. He is one of the very, very best drummers I have ever come across...plays different rhythms simultaneously too...here he seems quite mellow...look up the band Tananas on youtube...this is one of our greatest trio of musicians to come out of South Africa. Sadly Gito Baloi, the bassist, was murdered in Johannesburg while driving through a notorious suburb, Hillbrow. Steve Newman, guitarist/composer is also a maestro on the 6 string acoustic...take care bro

[@boogygottsmann4728]

Ian Herman is a homeboy of mine (South Africa)...used to share a house with him too. He is one of the very, very best drummers I have ever come across...plays different rhythms simultaneously too...here he seems quite mellow...look up the band Tananas on youtube...this is one of our greatest trio of musicians to come out of South Africa. Sadly Gito Baloi, the bassist, was murdered in Johannesburg while driving through a notorious suburb, Hillbrow. Steve Newman, guitarist/composer is also a maestro on the 6 string acoustic...take care bro

[@wolfgangfricke8555]

thank you!

[@peterreid4435]

This man has been playing for over 70 yrs, from about 1947 'till present which means this GEM of a man is in his 90s, all hail the "Father of Jamaican music"

[@ronmatthews1738]

Not just Jamaican music. I just watched a documentary about Cream in which Jack Bruce said it was Ernest Ranglin that got him playing bass guitar.

[@peterreid4435]

@@ronmatthews1738 WOW!!!!! That's great info bro. thanks

[@tramp2827]

Actually, the father of Jamaican music is Jackie Mittoo. Ernie was there too, mostly playing, but Jackie gave us both Rock Steady and Reggae. He was a music machine. I agree with Bob Andy when he said on a scale of 1 - 10, Jackie. And if any space is after that, Jackie.

[@markjohnson9485]

Yes he is amazing!! A true Icon.

[@peterreid4435]

@@markjohnson9485 respect fi

[@rzincone]

What a great musician, "below the bassline" is one of my favourite albums EVER

[@rjy8960]

It only came to my attention about a year ago and is one of my go-to albums. I've always listened to ska and what a joy to listen to Surfin' for the first time was :)

[@MrAkavet]

Me too.Saw him at a WOMAD festival in the UK and thought he was the coolest laidback guitarist ever. I've loved Jamaican music from bluebeat onwards to ska and reggae and this guy was there through the whole lot ! Below the Bassline is my goto chill out album and when I had hectic London Underground (Metro) journeys to and from work that would take me off to a whole other world. And every musician friend who I've played it to was also in love with it.A genius 😎

[@rzincone]

@@MrAkavet I've been in London for 2.5 years and I would have loved to have that album at the time...central line at 8 AM XD

[@jembesjembes1]

Ain’t no album like it … reggae peppered with jazz sensibilities - amazing .

[@rickflint3710]

Ernest Ranglin a founding father of reggae music and one of the greatest musicians to have ever walked this planet 🌎 SALUTE 🫡 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chevylee]

My Grandad is the best to ever do it ❤️🥺

[@shanyagraham946]

Hey cousin. Thats where uncle mikey and dad their musical genius from.

[@chazinko]

Ernest Ranglin is a true legend and continues to play like one here.

[@fattmusiek5452]

Ernest is one of THE GREATEST of all time. I had 2 teachers growing up to tell me essentially the same thing- that I needed this music in my life. 5th grade teacher told me about bob marley, I was like ok yee (I hadnt taken the dive into music yet). Then in 9th? my awesome algebra teacher...she was a true G. She told me to pick up Ernest Ranglin's music. and I got Below the Bassline and In Search of the Lost Riddim. I found out later that apparently Ernest had Bob as a student? I adore Mr. Ranglin's style, it's sooo cool! It's the truth man- Any track from Lost Riddim, after my entry into jazz studies in college, when many things became crystal clear to me, thanks Professor Herb at annandale. Changed everything. Now I conceptualize the songs off of Riddim purely as a celebration of life- the major key songs, the drum's are sparking clean, from an engineering standpoint and drummer's tone (i'll have to look up their name) his almost flubbing of the notes, is pure magic. I've always felt that. The palm muted wrist-y motifs, the octaves and SLIIIIDEssss. It's so tonal - speakin' with his hands. It's beautiful music that the world needs, in a world who is clueless about history- I am thankful to be able to type this comment (I am blessed to be alive, or even be playing music, many times over)- the life of a musician is a journey that never ends. All you have to do is look up at Ernest. What a Hero. Man.

[@jtaustinmusic]

I love how his beat is always just slightly syncopated. It gives just a good sort of layered tempo. What a legend

[@robertnatiello3814]

Ernest Ranglin's guitar playing is like a sunshine hug to the world.

[@johncase2408]

The man who brought jazz and reggae together...ranglin is so original!

[@NatashaDiMarco]

Thank you, NPR, for bringing this living legend to the attention of listeners young & old.

[@datraass]

❤💛💚🇯🇲

[@kellytaylor482]

❤❤

[@andrewprice3744]

Indeed Living Legend❤️💚💛

[@dariopaladins6758]

Love this from Italy 🔥

[@sonojoy222]

Thank you for featuring a senior artist.

[@americanpancakelive]

If Ernest Ranglin's songs were the soundtrack for your life.... YOU could NOT HAVE a bad day.

[@tonysoulmanok]

+American Pancake I'm gonna quote you in twiiter @tonysoulman

[@angelzambrano2396]

Thats a realy bad guitar comping but ernest you are the best one forever

[@mattprovencal5450]

Listened to this 3 times while fishing on lake Tahoe the other day. No one will ever be the unique Ernest Ranglin! Such a beautiful sound track.

[@jaly2133]

Jah Bless Mr. Ranglin!!!

[@misterdrummings]

Wonderfully intimate performance by Ernest- and the band who provide top notch accompaniment to allow his spectacular playing to shine! You can tell these musicians are masters at their craft, and of course Ernest Ranglin is one of the greatest musicians ever in Jamaica and the world. I love see the joy they share here in playing together!

[@joehiggs100]

Ernest Ranglin is unique. I had the pleasure of meeting him once, a real gentleman and funny with it.

[@Bimp_Lizkit]

I hope to god that when I reach 82, I'm still doing something that brings me and others so much joy...and am having so much fun doing it! A great Tiny Desk with a true classic. Bravo and keep up the good work guys!

[@donovanphillips4973]

Forever awesome 2024 🎉

[@georgekokoletsos]

Ernest is the best !!! 👌👌👌😎

[@dillongoodfriend7248]

so much feeling and emotion, 8 years later and im crying. beautiful thank you ernrest

[@crzywitboy3]

Captivating. That first song grabbed me and just wouldn't let go.

[@MrKissmass]

Love to see the artists in the bands look in each others eyes and smile when they are playing music, it really makes me...smile...

[@kevinlander46]

Wow! so glad i found this love it absolutley brilliant Musicians.

[@clemthompson1703]

One of the Best Guitarist not only in Jamaica but the entire 🌍 Big up Daddy Ranglin the Guitar God Fahda🙏🏾

[@tigershav]

every single musician here is insane wow so glad this found it's way to me

[@aaroncummins2752]

Have loved his music from the first " time I heard it" absolutely 🌈✌️👍

[@germzdesantaana3831]

Wooowwww.... So smooth so reggae. What a jam sesh. 😎🌱

[@rasfele1]

Just Beautiful and There is no need for Criticizing they’re just having fun And I’m enjoying listening. Thank you guys please post more videos like this. Thank you for sharing.

[@one-man-dan007]

Love that, to see a Studio one legend looking so cooland playing as sweet as ever at 82. Think I'm in love 💕 with bass player as well

[@-zoave-]

Wow you were so lucky to play with Ernest!

[@KevinMichaelCallihan]

Reggae, Rastafarian, oh how nice...soothing. Enjoyed myself dancing with it. Great start for one I have not seen/heard. Excellent folks and music. Love NPR tiny desk series, as well.

[@Motubbs31]

Gotcha is my all time favorite songs. In any genre. Ernest is a legend

[@stefano0808]

Nice touch having a snare Brush taped to the skin, Ernest's Music is truly awesome :-)

[@TropicIslandMusic]

Below The Bass Line has been one of my fav albums for nearly 2 decades and I have only just seen this! Thanks NPR ♥

[@datraass]

SO SWEEEEET!!! A Living Legend of REGGAE music! BRAP! 🔥🇯🇲❤💛💚🇯🇲🔥🔥🔥❤💛💚🔥

[@vsvicente]

Don't know this guy... But this one - knows WHAT is music!

[@AlbertCoRecords]

Fantastic. Glad I found this Tiny Desk concert.

[@Nick.DeCarlo]

Ernest is amazing..& a great band🙏🔥

[@shockingguy]

That’s what I love about tiny desks I keep learning more and more about our musical Heritage and musicians I never knew existed thank you NPR

[@BHIB_NL]

What an absolute legend! Thank you for your music!

[@7gorm7]

ER guitar virtuoso, smooth grooves, keeping it a real at 82 what a legend!

[@andresjuradoalvaran5617]

Genial, que alegría ver a Ernest un grande de la música a sus 84 años tocando con tal destreza. Es gran inspiración. Saludos desde Bogota Colombia

[@martingomez7801]

82 en ese momento, pero deberia tener como 88 el jovie

[@akihikoyoshida907]

So beautiful. Classic and brand new at the same time.

[@Marigold976]

This feels good

[@diwashpathak1573]

After a long day of work. This is what I need. Feels like i'm in a beach somewhere looking at calm waves.

[@michaelkahler2660]

was a lot of fun

[@franhernandez5617]

La leyenda Ernest Ranglin🔥🔥🔥

[@jamesm9980]

I'd like to bottle that sound and carry it around with me for whenever I was feeling glum. Fantastic stuff.

[@toddandjenndimercurio3715]

I'm so glad to see this video ! Mr. Ranglin certainly has his island vitality! Hope to see him play somewhere soon!

[@andykostynowicz]

Wow. Real artists hidden away. I loved it

[@amadeusb4]

Why am I just seeing this now, youtube algos? You had ONE job to do! One job!

[@dannykumite]

Can't stop listening to this none stop

[@mikej2934]

OMG! what have I just discovered? How have I managed to miss this is 20+ years of playing guitar? Amazing stuff. Thank you NPR :)

[@gian323]

I think it's probably even more like 50+ maybe even 60+ years at the time of this performance

[@chickberth]

The man is a world treasure.

[@drakerodriguez2347]

feeling ur soul gets from music has no time limit, ageless, timeless, boundless

[@MrAkavet]

Amen to that 😎😍

[@nicolasmegelas1203]

Amazing music... Very inspiring

[@hori_ink82]

Saw the man himself play in NZ what a blessing …Jah Make Ya shine bright 🙏🏽

[@christopherhamilton8779]

Jamaican Treasure🇯🇲

[@Feedurehed]

Thank you NPR for providing a moment of pure joy and to Ernest and his wonderful band...I feel blessed!

[@dodododatdatdat]

mi gosh what a viruoso. Tears in my eyes

[@lonnystarr]

it is a rare pleasure watching a guitar virtuoso at work!

[@ozeas.carvalho]

Eternal treasure!

[@LadiesLoveRey]

Got to meet Mr Ranglin last month! Saw him live at the Marlowe Theatre and then got to meet backstage after! He was a really great guy and was so funny. The band he was playing with that night though was just amazing but Ernest Ranglin at 84 years is still killing it! So happy I got to see him live

[@christopherlawrence1688]

STANDING OVATION TO THE BOSS ERNIE HIMSELF

[@therealkenchase]

Truly magical. Thank you NPR!

[@joaofernando6853]

Ernest ,you are a miracle!

[@oldstylez6419]

yes Dude, you are a Legend.....:)

[@juniordamatah]

Mr. Ernest Ranglin!

[@jacquelinenovik1761]

What a pleasure to stumble upon this!

[@kyleyesiahsupree]

One of the all time greats. Peace Ernest, you are an inspiration

[@tsopuaifa]

That is how I wanna spend my old days.

[@muddymike]

Are u old yet?

[@tsopuaifa]

@@muddymike I jammed with a 29 year old younger guy yesterday so I guess I'm getting there. °_°

[@arsenelupin6784]

excellent

[@КатюшаСоветская]

Ааааа! Это супер! До глубины души,спасибо🙏💕

[@erikkinzinger536]

Thanks for the lovely music

[@fareedg6703]

I was so looking forward to listening to this. Much respect for Mr Ranglin his artistry and contribution to music. I could not finish listening to this session. But I am inspired to find some of his CDs in my collection and listen in my car as I drive to work.

[@thomasfranck8106]

Monsieur Ernest Ranglin je toujours considéré vôtre touché guitare à celui de mon manouche préféré Django renarth

[@williamaraujo9840]

Pure energy and swing!!!!!

[@geinikan1kan]

Man this is absolutely lovely.

[@kevincassidy1789]

Dude is 82 right there...tremendous.

[@markielinhart]

Below the Bassline come to life. What a buzz! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@anderswaltereriksen5579]

Love it !

[@AgapeBoerGoat]

Oh Ernest! That place you to take me to!!

[@janainatatim7140]

Socorro, Ernest Ranglin bom demais! parabéns from Brasil! :D

[@Kitsune523]

Best guitarist

[@j_drichmond]

Such wonderful phrasing

[@elsindo]

This is what I'm talking aboutttt.. Yeah.. Keep it coming..

[@mindisaster]

What a legend! Discovered Mr Ranglin's music many years ago, and I still feel so much joy whenever I listen to his tracks, Thank you for the amazing vibes!

[@kennethoyler5533]

I loved this. They need to come to some festivals in Florida

[@SteadyDrop]

He's the master! His band is really cookin' too!

[@08bourquem]

Why do i fall in love with every female bass player

[@golfman9290]

How did I guess that the first comment would be about the bass player, Tal wilkenfeld is another cutie, plays with Jeff beck.

[@Galacticpurveyor]

It's been years since she played with him.

[@Tocy777isback0414]

same here maaan...Alana Alberg is cool too :)

[@BenBopALula]

Esperanza Spalding, Tal Wilkenfeld, Melissa auf der Maur, Anna Sentina, Tina Weymouth... that's why ! Special mention for Esperanza Spalding hugging her double bass, so talended with a beautiful voice as well.

[@agaudr]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3TaqmOrbpZ1Y8k

[@anthonywright3443]

82 That's just love and a lot of skill mixed in!!!!

[@DonaldWaughmusic]

My hero Ernie. Love from Jamaica. 🇯🇲

[@richardbaptist5080]

Loved it!

[@kalvinhill5308]

Always respect for an Elder.

[@tensionseekers4496]

Tears Of Joy

[@reygarcia9368]

Angeline was the only one I recognized, thanks for the line up its good to know the names of the musicians.

[@bambasorensen9614]

Big Legend!

[@melvinwren]

how did i miss this one? awesome

[@ErickBourgeois1978]

I just found this.... Are you kidding me??? Mr. Ranglin is unreal