Ledisi: NPR Music Field Recordings

There's too much happening in New Orleans' French Quarter - especially on a holiday weekend, especially when hundreds of thousands of people are in town for the annual Essence Music Festival. There are living statues and five-piece bands and drinks a foot-and-a-half tall and people from all over the world ambling in the middle of the street. But Ledisi, singing on a balcony in her hometown, stopped the whole thing dead. For a few minutes, with a song about the complications of being a woman, she held an unsuspecting, audibly appreciative crowd in the palm of her hand. --FRANNIE KELLEY
SET LIST
"Pieces of Me"
CREDITS
Producers: Mito Habe-Evans, Frannie Kelley; Event Manager: Saidah Blount; Videographers: Mito Habe-Evans, Olivia Merrion, Colin Marshall; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Editor: Colin Marshall; Special Thanks: Sam Malvaney, Mark and Rachel Dibner of the Argus Fund; Executive Producer: Anya Grundmann.

[@MoreChickenTacoz]

I come back to this video all the time. We are in year 2020 and I'm still amazed at how organic and beautiful this sounds.

[@moniquemarrie]

Same. It’s February 2023. Lol

[@BCDC123]

2024 💯

[@pjl101003]

That moment when you're about to post how awesome this is and then you realize you heaped praise 9 months ago!

[@cutedeltalawgirl]

2021....Still watching this video whenever I'm sad because it never ceases to make me happy. HOWEVER, now I can say "SAAAAAAAAANG SOROR!!!!!"

[@Beautyflawed81]

I am obsessed with this video. This touches my spirit. Have watched it everyday for a week.

[@lovieleslie5194]

Me Too Friend!!!! It such a beautiful song especially when she is Live. My only question is how was she soo prepared? Sarah Williams (background singers) was soo conveniently in place.

[@BHN96]

Me too. I even get a tear

[@christinagraham2915]

She is super underrated. Loved her since day one. Shout out to New Orleans

[@drvictoria07]

Ledisi and her background singers are sooo beautiful. I love them

[@2323sark]

Hope you have watched her tiny desk concert it’s so amazing

[@ChallyceMarie]

This literally gave me chills. She's such an amazing artist.

[@MaryJane-wp8ru]

Ledisiiiii! I cannot get enough of you!!! She deserves so much more recognition! She's one of the VERY best!!

[@kennethjohnson474]

New Orleans is flooded with talent!! Shout out to the Crescent!

[@Zimviewer]

Just saw her last night at NJPAC. She killed. Such a rare talent with a practically perfect instrument, a treasure trove of technique, musical integrity and entrancing stage personality. Nothing but star light.

[@jesushateswood]

I love Ledisi because she mixes it up vocally.

[@PenSovereignty81]

Ledisi is an overlooked gift from GOD, I can't see why ANYONE wouldn't like this video, she's SUPERB!

[@mswkmw4683]

Vocal aerobics! I felt that in my back!

[@Honest000w]

really though lol

[@briellecruz4170]

*picks up edges from ground* *slicks down remaining edges on scalp*

[@TheGemini610]

Every time I watch this I get chills. Her personality comes out so clearly, I love it. The nuances she puts into this version are so clean - that's pure talent!

[@AlphabetSoup123]

Yaaaas! Sang down girl! I'm still salty Ledisi lost a Grammy to Chris Brown. Hopefully, she gets one soon.

[@FraileyWhaley]

AlphabetSoup this is why I say to help with the Grammys! How white people can tell us what r&b is good is mind blowing

[@MissBonoloOabile]

The talent that is Ledisi. She sing so beautifully even better that the so called superstars but they got nothing on you child. *replays*

[@MrJazzitup9]

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, GO head on Ledisi. P.S. Those background singers are killing it and, the Keyboardist is SICK! LOVE IT! :-)

[@catherineelijah5547]

YESSSSS!!!!!

[@medude25]

must have watched this 100 times since I 1st seen it a month or so ago.......

[@FesterWerks]

This makes me happy and giddy and on the edge of tears.

[@700dcc4]

I don't care about likes. People here know this is a piece of art!

[@AnonVocals]

2019 and I still come back to this video.. Ledisi’s vocals are timeless!!

[@imove_accordingly]

I can't count how many times I've been here!!

[@2323sark]

What a gorgeous performance. Huge talent and musicality it doesn’t get better than this

[@tyah9568]

This video makes me cry every time I watch it 😭 so beautiful, people are beautiful 🥺❤️

[@serterriamonet4580]

Ledisi never disappoints ❤️❤️❤️

[@florazul5240]

Ledisi always, and I do mean ALWAYS SLAYS

[@isismala]

i cant believe ledisi invented singing

[@countrygirl8295]

I love Ledisi! She is such a beautiful talented woman...

[@AnikaDavidson]

Every time Ledisi sings this song she plays with my heart .... Lawd have mercy !!

[@0Duece24]

Probably the most criminally under viewed tiny desk performance. Ranks in my top 5.

[@barclayangelab]

Ledisi gets me every time! Her voice is so effortless she doesn't even try it just comes out. I love her voice. Hands down my favorite singer!!

[@kellel2011]

The 6 people who have disliked this video should be thrown off the balcony in this video because this is stripped down music at its best!!

[@softmusic86]

😂😂😂😂 I can't breathe

[@titindlovu]

WHO DAT LOL! they deserve a high Five in the face with a chair lol

[@Kenyatta.M]

Lol!

[@ayomideoluwatudimu3401]

I actually think laughed out loud when I first read this months ago. Pahahaha this comment still makes me smile.

[@brenttalley5819]

I agree with you 🤣🤣🤣

[@martinmalker5791]

Bring the soul back,such a multitalented,Beautiful vocalist her lyrics are her amazing gift to the world...You're a gifted singer ,who is doing what you were BORN to do,keep on blowing minds,Vocalist Extrodinare ,never ever let your spirit die ,your voice is flawless..

[@johnson1971]

Her runs... Damn!!!

[@Leafwatcher07]

Wow, never heard of her before but she just insta converted me. Such a voice, and this intensity. Also really great concept you got there NPR. I'd definitely watch more "on field recording", I'm a huge tiny desk concert fan.

[@brandonlewis9255]

I just want to say at the intro...whoever she was, she was playing the freak out that clarinet!!! Push through!!! I didn't notice it at first but 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

She killed that for sure

[@zionwitherspoon880]

OH WOW!! YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Thanks NPR.

[@tiffal819]

Thought about this video this morning! Glad it still puts a smile on my face! :)

[@trich346]

she always gives me chills...good chills. I love her!

[@Ev3Mr]

Love it! Ledisi smashed it! Flawless

[@kyrabrown7343]

This gave me goosebumps. This art.

[@SuperBigdaddies]

who is listening in 2021.....Awesome sauce....

[@delmikotaylor]

Ledisi vocal beast. Those background vocals the truth

[@MsDorisann]

I love "Pieces of Me" it is my favorite song by Ledisi!! Powerhouse Ledisi!!!!

[@thekaerichtexas]

That's my boo......everyone should record like this.....live on the streets with very little tech

[@KelKoutureKandyBuff]

WOW..REPLAY!!!!! I cried!!!! LOL Her Voice Brings on some Happy Tears....LOVE HER VOICE

[@hoodsplicer]

I graduated high school with Ledisi, and she's been singing & sounding great for YEARS, believe me...Skyline c/o '90!

[@thewood1001]

her voice/spirit touch my core, consistently. pitch perfect. incredible range. soulful. sassy. not to mention the accompanist is a beast. i'm trying to watch this at least once without smiling. haven't succeeded yet. guess i'll keep trying. =)

[@beepbapboop126]

Anyone watching in 2021? For anyone who is curious, that virtuoso on the clarinet of the intro is named Doreen Ketchens.

[@keithhunt9559]

Wow! Ledisi IS a musical instrument! What a performer. Great control and range. Al while having fun! Truly GREAT!

[@astridvitols4712]

So EXCELLENT idea too those NPR Music Field Recordings !!!❤️☘️🌸Joyful, alive, soooo nice !!! Here thanksfully to LEDISI...... !! Astrid (Paris)

[@quarlesfamily1]

Every good singer has a to great back up singer.......beautiful all of you ladies.

[@edelg2033]

Didn’t expect to cry when hearing this, but here I am. Wow❤️

[@mylesbake]

Whoever downvoted this needs to tie their shoes b/c they're trippin'

[@Percussiongurl]

that face at @2:44 is what it is. This was a stank face amazing.

[@matheusrodrigues4450]

Eu amo essa música e essa performance. Eu assisto sempre.

[@Legend-qs6lq]

Love the N.O. I'm always there. I have seen Ledisi there at least 6 times. Not even including Essencefest

[@ccmil555]

this is the reason why i love about music. thank you so mich for sharing

[@rmc3966]

Simply fabulous -- that city; despite its issues, has some wonderfulness and talented, spirited people

[@mandeelaw8410]

My my my!!!! Such refined vocals. Love her voice!!!

[@shamaraLthomas]

I LOVE this woman!!! Her voice is gold🙌

[@30thCenturyAnnalope]

That was "down to earth low ride thrills," ending with a splash of Ledisi chills!. She kept it real. Annalope out...

[@30thCenturyAnnalope]

chs75, you have great understanding, appreciation, and intelligence. Respect and plenty to you.

[@30thCenturyAnnalope]

Thanks URBAN GUERRILLA THEATRE. Remain creative, bold, and fair. Happiness to you.

[@30thCenturyAnnalope]

ADMNP, you are wise, powerful, refined, and thoughtful. Abundance and respect to you.

[@30thCenturyAnnalope]

Thanks Teddy Paola. Remain noble, honest and effective. Abundance to you.

[@cassienicole9236]

Here in 2020 under lockdown ✨🤦🏾‍♀️😭

[@crownr0yalonice]

she felt that thang!

[@kelel3443]

That was beautiful! Dec 2022

[@dltaylor1028]

I saw her live along with melanie fiona. I love ledisi even more that women receives energy from the Gods awesome performance, phenomenal voice along with a beautiful personality!

[@kharywilsontenor4712]

That lady has been playing the HELL out of that Clarinet for decades!!!!!! I'm so hurt I missed essence this year....

[@JuanitaCato]

Representing all the beauty of Louisiana! We love our Ledisi!

[@sinamen516]

I have been missing out on this blessing of a video....WHY DIDNT YALL TELL ME!! I shed a tear 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@keziahsmith9206]

I literally just returned from New Orleans this morning. Stayed on the French Quarter, so want to go back. Ledisi just sent me right back there.

[@1blackfrend]

cleared my sinuses and paid my taxes listening to her, thanks Ledisi

[@cassienicole9236]

blackguitar000 😭😭😭

[@eccentricluv4575]

Ledisi your voice makes me so happy......:))))

[@auntielu4394]

Aging like fine wine. 2022

[@wandahenry6749]

Soulful and beautiful

[@EricG-bv2ui]

the next time you are on an old school video and people are complaining about lack of good music nowadays, just give them this Ledisi tune and it will be like giving a toddler his warm milk.

[@desmondedwards4702]

I love her

[@lelann5]

Damn! Mind blown! She tore that song up in the best way and made it look sooooooo easy! Ledisi, you better get it girl!! :-)

[@martinyng]

She blows me away everytime

[@salahudeenmuhammad3857]

beautiful

[@Krazidawg]

Everytime I see Ledisi, I tend to stick my chest out and proclaim "You know she's from Oakland" being a Bay Area native, she is treasured and ours, Bay stand up!!!!!

[@atlmprof1]

Oh, I wish I'd been there. Love it! Loved the people on the street and their reaction too.

[@shekinah6301]

This was amazing

[@outburst43]

sold! totally want to see her in concert for reals!

[@PieroDreadOfficial]

LOVE THIS SONG!!!!

[@chuckflaveimwishingonastar3700]

HELL YEA ,THIS IS OF MY FAVORITES

[@sinamen516]

Wow! I'm in tears!!! How I'm just seeing this in my recommendations 🤬

[@garybuster8624]

Amazing! I love it!

[@Benyi-Shabah]

Like fine wine....thank you Miss Ledisi.

[@CINEMATIQmagTV]

I love love love this song and I love Ledisi. I have the perfect leading role for her in a screenplay I am developing. I will give you the person last name - Carter. If Ledisi is the singer I think she is, she will know exactly who I am taking about. You can hear the influence all up in Ledisi's music and style of singing. Ledisi is the only person I know that will do this role justice. I hope this post finds her. #peace

[@patriciajohnson1356]

Beautiful 👏🏾👏🏾

[@coreytaylor6551]

I feel blessed hearing this.

[@pjl101003]

Amazing.

[@ManuManu-oq8lt]

amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing!!!!!

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

WoW what a nice notification. I LOVE Ledisi. Made my Monday😃😃 even though I'm on house arrest because of rona😷😡 smdh

[@mswkmw4683]

Loaded!That was SICK

[@blackstarblues9055]

Amazing!

[@meth2anie]

Yes!

[@JazzyAmbitions]

Enjoyed! 💗💗💗💗😇

[@JazzyAmbitions]

Beautifulll!