Suzanne Vega: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

In pop-music circles, Suzanne Vega is known almost entirely for two songs from the late 1980s: the child-abuse ballad "Luka" and a song that launched literally dozens of dance remixes, "Tom's Diner." But Vega has been making vital, inventive music the entire time - much of it folk-based, though her sound has taken many smart detours along the way - and is about to put out her first album of original material in seven years, Tales From the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles. The challenge, then, lies in capturing a snapshot of her career in only four songs.
For this Tiny Desk Concert - performed with her brilliant guitarist and producer, Gerry Leonard - Vega splits the difference evenly between old and new, bookending her set with the aforementioned classics and tucking two about-to-be-released songs in the middle. Game and good-spirited throughout, Vega performed "Luka" and "Tom's Diner" as if she hadn't played them thousands of times before - aided greatly by Leonard, who's worked extensively with David Bowie and lends these songs an extraordinary amount of color and texture. (Check out the "bells" he adds near the end of "Tom's Diner.")
Vega's songwriting gifts haven't waned at any point in her long career, and the new songs here - taken from a concept album about the way our world and the spiritual realm intersect - sound as sharp as anything she's done. It only makes sense that, nearly 30 years after her debut, she still examines new realms with grace, empathy and an explorer's spirit. --STEPHEN THOMPSON
Set List
"Luka"
"Crack In The Wall"
"I Never Wear White"
"Tom's Diner"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Olivia Merrion; photo by Meredith Rizzo/NPR

[@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

[@velvetclaw2316]

I love her quiet contemplative unassuming voice - we are missing this kind of voice in the 21st century

[@BazColne]

You can say that again.

[@SLAM3R]

She tries not to talk to loud...

[@trevorgolding9200]

I was just thinking that she’d be amazing at singing jazz.

[@kaeruemkui2654]

So true

[@davewhiting9730]

She has a unique voice and sounds just like she did in 1987. And yes, I realize this video is 10 years old. But still.

[@mlachaise]

Solitude Standing was one of the most perfect albums ever written. Suzanne Vega created the definitive soundtrack for 17-year-old introverts everywhere.

[@christopherschott2401]

Solitude Standing was the first album I had purchased not long after I heard her song Luka. I loved how the songs transported my 17 year old mind and creative heart. I read your comment and i remember feeling that same way . Thank you ..

[@bargainbassist]

I was a 29-year-old introvert when her first album was released. I felt alienated by mainstream ‘80s music, but hers spoke to me.

[@bostonseeker]

I listened to a lot of mainstream and not-so-mainstream music in the 80s. Suzanne Vega was different enough to be in a category by herself -- the one-woman folk revival -- although the influence of Velvet Underground and Leonard Cohen was clear, as she's talked about. I remember buying Solitude Standing not long after it came out, because I heard and was impressed by her first album, a while before the two famous songs became famous. It is an essentially perfect album, indeed. But listen to her other albums too! They're full of treasures.

[@patriciasalem3606]

And for 20-somethings trapped in miserable marriages...

[@LtheGoddess7]

Completely agreed on all counts. SS is still epic and amazing!

[@Proutt]

Gerry Leonard is really a guitar player's guitar player. His playing is as delicate, precise and evocative as a grand master violin soloist. Truly impressive.

[@tompelham7035]

That’s a pretty special PRS he’s got in his hands as well

[@mattwilmshurst8456]

and I like his Can T!

[@MrNiceGuy442]

I keep coming back to hear luca, his guitar overdrives bridges are priceless and short.

[@AxistubeToulouse]

yep very poetic and effective . masterclass

[@torinoherrera]

Fun fact: Even Prince was so impressed by the song Luka that he wrote (in his own handwriting) a letter to Suzanne how he really appreciated the song.

[@EffingtonCouldBe]

That's cool - I LOVE me some Prince!

[@kevinb3812]

Prince loved the great ladies, like Joni and Suzanne! I didn't know about that letter to Suzanne Vega. Cool!

[@ryke_masters]

@@meadow9441 There's a live album she tells the story on. Apparently he requested to attend a show, waited patiently for that one song, danced to it and immediately left!

[@ryke_masters]

@@meadow9441 I don't remember for sure that it was Luka and not another song, but the dancing is part of the anecdote. He wanted one song, danced to it and left.

[@kamuelalee]

You know, I did the same thing. Addressed to Ms. Vega, mom of Luka.

[@sgtpep5]

Almost a 30 year old tune and Suzanne still looks beautiful.....

[@born09061957]

She is a master storyteller. Her songs speak truth and come from the heart.

[@jorgeluismeoli]

You can immediately notice that she writes her own songs. They talk about life and inner feelings.

[@jhhunter3000]

You can tell she studied English in college....

[@manitobareader7769]

The way she owns them with her voice and demeanour.

[@EffingtonCouldBe]

Her voice is still amazing. ☺

[@portcullis5622]

EffingtonCouldBe I saw her sing live in London a couple of months ago and her voice sounded virtually the same as when I first saw her nearly thirty years ago. She sang about twenty five of her own songs and it was a nice mix of old and new songs-a truly great songwriter and live performer.

[@garanceahran7953]

EffingtonCouldBe in fact her voice didn't change

[@pcapucion]

I agree she still sounds the same...amazing!

[@natid.6619]

"still amazing".man, she´s not 120 years old.

[@milkmandave66]

EffingtonCouldBe Wikipedia said that she was 119. So yeah, still amazing

[@RanetkiFan]

her voice never changed.. its still beautiful and haunting Love her

[@edosenin9873]

lol i wtach ur best video funny seing you here

[@mattiaciani1]

I felt the same thing!

[@mikia10]

Why would her voice change? She is still a young girl

[@clancykobane9102]

hair neither

[@SuckitTrebec]

Oh for sure! I heard an acapelle she recorded and to here everything from just her voice made this track just amazing to me. Something about just raw recording that make a track over beyond a hit. Also puts sound engineers and producers up there for hearing what should be recorded. Also read somewhere that the recording of this track originally was so clear it was used to compare the compression of MP3 tracks at the time.

[@andysaunders3708]

She's so effing great, and old Gerry's bloody brilliant on that guitar. Beyond superb.

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

no auto tune, effects, lights, fancy sound system.. just heaps of talent both of them. this is how it should be done kids. thanks for the upload I appreciate this.

[@knyazigorthe8617]

👍👏

[@rizkifaskia6108]

that video needs proper light, audio interface, high end pc for editing, those instruments is not cheap

[@afonsosousa2684]

The electric guitar in particular is full of effects and it sounds fantastic.

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

I mean - the input is high end. How you edit this is really secondary.

[@russelldawkins9094]

@@rizkifaskia6108 Nonsense.

[@PaulusTarsus3574]

Thank you Suzanne. You're still a credit to decent music. Your sound carried me during the early 90's in Southern Lebanon, as bombs rained down on me.

[@roadrunner381]

Thx Paul!

[@oliverfrench467]

You win

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

Sorry you had to go through that! 💔

[@FlameFlickers]

Sounds like your neighbours REALLY didn't like Suzanne Vega..

[@perpetuant5452]

And are you progressive?

[@anthonygill5621]

Guitar player's light touch is formidable, the whole thing is a full and subtle sound.

[@BARKINGattheMOON100]

Anthony Gill Are you mutton Jeff.😂🤣😂

[@ja8ames]

Yeah, I'm extremely impressed by how rich the tone is, yet with so much restraint. The guy knows how to dial it in and use it.

[@steveakers3322]

Yes. David Bowie thought so too.

[@demonicsweaters]

Was thinking the same thing, he fits so perfectly with Suzanne, who herself is an incredibly dynamic player.

[@leokreimer6492]

His PRS is amazing

[@woodenmonster]

Dear Susanne, your song Luka has been in my head since the first time I heard it, it stuck to me all these years so I named my firstborn son Luca, born 6 Feb 2022. This song will be with me for the rest of my life. Love from South Africa.

[@oscarnr9998]

Omg this is so sweet, I hope Luca is doing great!

[@philmatthews2155]

That is such a wonderful tribute to a phenomenal musician who clearly effected your life. I wish you and your family all the best. Be fabulous

[@kimthomas781]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@manitobareader7769]

The most beautiful comment. I love your heart. Bless you and your family. Luca is a special person who’s going to change the world in some way. Just wait and see 💛

[@whiteyfisk9769]

She wrote the song about Luka Magnotta lol, good going on naming your kid after that psychopath. Pretty based actually

[@drbosommd]

99.9 degrees Fahrenheit is one of the greatest albums of all time but was criminally ignored by the press .

[@edised71]

9 objects of desire is even better...

[@Bassotronics]

I played this video for a friend who did not know who she was. He said that he liked all of the songs on this video but once he reached the last song, he was like “oh my gosh! it’s her! she’s the one who sings that song I was looking for for years!” And I smiled so happily. 😊

[@megumiyagihashi8118]

30yrs ago, I introduced this song to the high school students in my English class. I met them last year at the reunion and they mentioned this song. Thank you, Suzanne. You make me cry.

[@jonjones820]

I just started teaching HS English and humanities. I do a lot of musical analysis -for my own enjoyment mostly lol

[@twpark92]

Still amazingly beautiful voice just like 30 years ago!

[@kabernat]

A great pleasure to hear and see her here! She sounds exactly the same! A wonderful musician, vocalist! I love her sound! 💕💕💕🎼🎼🎼🎶🎶🎼⭐️⭐️⭐️💎

[@tedjones-ho2zk]

Thinking the same thing, her voice has hardly changed

[@kabernat]

@@tedjones-ho2zk - Indeed! 😊😊

[@mikeyingstudio]

The sound on this is amazing. Literally in awe. The sound engineer deserves a fat raise.

[@magikoflove]

It never ceases to amaze me, the sounds you can get from a guitar when you know how touch it properly.

[@o.b.7217]

Well, the use of a guitar synthesizer helps to create some of these sounds.

[@RonnieGorotto]

magikoflove If by guitar you mean vagina, my wife fervently agrees... and says I can play for shit.

[@artysanmobile]

O. B. No guitar synthesizer being used here. Distortion, echo, some very tasteful use of pitch shifter and loops - and awesome taste. Gerry Leonard is superb.

[@matthewjones8865]

More magic from the wonderful Suzanne Vega. Beautiful guitar playing too 🙏

[@hukes]

Suzanne's music carried me through the 90s and I'm so grateful about it.

[@hansroland6894]

Seen tons of concerts in my life. If asked for favorite I always mention a gorgeous evening in Santa Fe NM 1986 shortly after Solitude Standing came out. I was working in SF for about 6 months and happened to grab tickets for this outdoor amphitheater venue at a local college. Suzanne came out just backlite, waited for total silence from the crowd (could hear a pin drop) and she sang Toms Dinner acapella at a very low level so we had to stay silent. Then the band came out, all magical..one of the best shows I have ever seen..

[@le_th_]

WOW, they both play guitar so very well. Vega's voice is still so smooth and beautiful. Gerry Leonard's musicianship is just extraordinary; they're really complimentary.

[@tovarasulsecretargeneral2822]

I cant believe this. One of the few singers who really kept their original voice. Amazing. Underated artist

[@samaneta]

Her voice!! ICONIC .... so lucky that i was there in the 1990's

[@pinkmoon4086]

She's still amazing vocally and beautiful.

[@gustamanavo]

She's an amazing songwriter and performer.

[@jessimacleod6734]

Always loved this song. I was that kid Luka. Thank you for reaching out to kids like me at the time. Your song really hit a chord with me and made me realise I wasn't alone. I'm good now. And I feel I am the luckiest person ever as I recovered and had good people around me who helped me. I have a beautiful family. I have beautiful kids and I want them to be whoever they want to be. Thanks Suzanne for inspiring me! I'm also a musician inspired by you xxoo

[@damnyankeefl]

Yes.

[@giulioboobzilla]

God bless U

[@kimthomas781]

♥️♥️♥️

[@ginefregatta1108]

yes - I've been Luka, too. But why I should not argue any more I do not understand. She is not that kind of peace we need in Europe

[@josephsemanek6711]

@@ginefregatta1108 I think the lyrics implied that person being abused (Luka) was young afraid and inexperienced to know the options. As a result Luka copes the only way they can..❤

[@emilywip]

Both of them are really cool and this is so SO incredibly beautiful. Delicately, modestly, and timelessly beautiful. ❤

[@sargijapunk]

Incredible how a person can age, but voice is still the same. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@RaeZoladawn777]

+sargijapunk I think she looks awesome

[@sargijapunk]

+Rae Zola Of course, some persons age very well :-)

[@thososullivan9735]

+sargijapunk She is still very attractive.

[@jfderry6220]

take a good look in the mirror. stop looking at yourself for 30 years. then take a peek. good luck. (Luka 1987)

[@sucote100]

noticed the same

[@MrAnomic]

I love how she never seems tired of performing her old hits for the benefit of her fans. Always thought provoking and imaginative as well.

[@bottre73]

Artists who are good at this remember that there will always be someone listening, hearing it for the very first time.

[@df5295]

Like she says there are 75 versions of Tom's Diner (and not all by her)!

[@jmichaelE68]

And all these years later, it still sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. Absolutely one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@bendavies5806]

Two people in perfect harmony. You can tell how relaxed Suzanne is with Gerry's playing, she trusts what he's playing even though it is so off the cuff that she probably has no idea what he's about to actually play. Gerry Leonard is a masterclass in making such simple playing sound huge, the way he layers sounds is quite remarkable. Probably one of the most underrated players I have ever come across.

[@stevewages]

Yes! He’s getting a lot of emotion packed into his sound.

[@bobschmitt4179]

I had a chance to see these two up close and the evening was incredible. Gerry Leonard created an amazing sonic environment that let Suzanne Vega reveal her lyrics and songs in a authentic, relaxed and dramatically riveting manner. One of the best performances I've seen.

[@peacetrain3320]

Lucky you!

[@zoemorosini4553]

Both of them are so clearly brilliant and talented, but so modest. Quietly and deeply inspiring.

[@heidiferlmann6442]

So beautiful Suanne Vega in Tiny Desk and with other great musician! So good this concert! Thank you so much!❤⚘🙏

[@matthewkirkhart2401]

I just saw these two live in Phoenixville, PA a month ago and they were fantastic! I loved her first album back in 1985 and it was such a gift to see her live. She is not just a great singer and songwriter, on stage she is a great story teller as well and really reached out and related directly with the audience. I would see her live again in a second!

[@kevinb3812]

You inspire me to go see her, my friend. Been a fan since her first album in the mid-eighties.

[@matthewkirkhart2401]

@@kevinb3812 awesome! You will be so happy you did. It was one of those shows I always wanted to see and never did back in the day. Getting to see her perform “The Queen and the Soldier” was incredible.

[@laglotal]

Two guitars and just one pure voice. This was an amazing tiny concert!

[@blissfulbaboon]

Suzanne's voice still has that timeless,magical, enchanting tone.This mini concert is such a treat!Thank you for making this possible.

[@juliaabatemarco3532]

Tiny Desk staff, you need to ask her for another show. This woman is class in the purest, most highly concentrated form.

[@johnthorne4093]

Yes please, NPR, ask her back.

[@jahwobble5214]

And Gerry

[@techstore]

next put the xylophone guy will be awesome

[@jacoboreyes3160]

What a fantastic guitarist. Suzanne is her usual great as always

[@Edward135i]

Most people lose their voice with age, Suzanne has clearly taken good care of herself, She still sounds like her records.

[@alansturgess1324]

She never strains nor goes for loud - she's just a natural singer and doesn't need all the histrionics we hear so much these days.

[@eswift8318]

There's also probably a simple reason. She probably never smoked. If you're a singer, it's the worst thing you can do to your voice.

[@paulmayle4374]

Judie Tzuke is another singer who's voice gets better with age:)

[@brettrogers8482]

@@eswift8318 You're basically right. I asked her a year or two ago, and she told me that she did smoke for a short period during her twenties- but happily, not for long. She basically takes good care of herself.

[@zazuka]

Just what I was thinking :)

[@gpeddino]

The rendition of "Luka" made my eyes water... A powerful song.

[@spleengrrrl]

Well, this song always makes my eyes water ) :

[@maomix29]

The guitar man es fabuloso.... matches with Suzan’s voice.

[@hughdismuke4703]

Been following her ever since she came out big in the 80's. I had the pleasure of meeting her once after a small venue about 15 years ago. She was getting ready for another long trip that night but was gracious enough to come out and say hello to us. Suzanne has always played two instruments. Her acoustic guitar(s) and that unique wonderful voice of her's which has not lost its touch. Love the new songs. Glad to see her still out there.

[@rhodesiano]

Ive always loved her soft clean voice, smart lyrics and classy music.

[@pauldack5129]

This sounds like it could have been an outtake from 1986 when she originally recorded Luka for Solitude Standing. Still amazes me that this masterpiece of story telling/songwriting came from a 22-23 yr old (at the time). Suzanne Vega has been so under appreciated. Its a crime.

[@nakfan]

She is often played on Danish Radio. I have her second album, too. Now I have to check out the newer stuff 😊 Per

[@kevinb3812]

Thankfully there are people like us! Spread the word and the songs!

[@damnyankeefl]

Saw her in 87 and 2015 and would love to again. Once you connect to her music you never forget…

[@ffggddss]

If that was her age in 1986, I'm blown away by another composition of hers - Calypso - written in 1978. (Not to be confused with the song of that name by John Denver; also great, but completely different!) Fred

[@patriciasalem3606]

​@@ffggddss It puts Homer in a whole new light. My favorite song from an album full of masterpieces.

[@roycrave2420]

Alone in quarantine, but found myself clapping when the whole performance on my laptop ended...

[@retohofmann5878]

Gerry Leonard is sensational!

[@andreatavolacci3608]

Met her in 1996 in Recanati Music festival...i was the security manager there. She performed voice and guitar... Pure...amazing!

[@martacarrete735]

Well, she's about 58 years old. I think that she looks amazing!

[@elidisco]

She is beautiful then and now

[@Nebula37]

This was waaay better than I thought it was going to be. Love Suzanne Vega's voice. Still great after all of these years.

[@RaminTork]

Lyrics of 'Luka', must be on the list of one of the most powerful songs written for those who have heard it. Her voice is still wonderful.

[@FlightData101]

It’s sad that almost thirty years later, domestic violence victims are still often not believed.

[@christophernoto]

The authenticity of Luka’s story is stunning.

[@chokinonashes61]

@@christophernoto I recommend watching Suzanne Vega play alongside Richard Thompson if you haven't seen it. There are clips on YT but I don't know if the whole concert is available.

[@McFraneth]

@@FlightData101 Worse, that the neighbours do nothing.

[@amycrunch3812]

Grownups using their own progeny as punching bags.

[@SpeedyCorky]

beautiful voice, excellent performance, one of my fav videos on KZbin - and DAMN Gerry Leonard on guitar is a master - such clean notes, perfect timing - indescribable talent on that guitar

[@athinakoufaki3329]

Suzanne has been one of my favourite artists of all time, ever since my adolescence. Thank you Suzanne!!!

[@raisinbran713]

I love Suzzane Vega's music. Keep on writing and singing. You are special!

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

Holy fuck. Way to start one of these! Brilliant set.

[@meneer7465]

The sound of her voice is so lovely and special! And the electric guitar is amazing, and the acoustic guitar sounds crispy and bright. I remember hearing this (Luka) in the eighties, was great then and now still stands up.

[@jomuc68]

I was young in the 80ties and i was in love. Now iam an old man and still in love with this voice Thank you Darling.

[@luckysakonta2718]

Same here👌🏽

[@philmatthews2155]

The music of Suzanne profoundly effected my life. Luca will always touch my heart and bring tears to my eyes. Her voice is like hot chocolate being poured over marshmallows and the lyrics are pure poetry. Simply, thank you 😊

[@syb.d1228]

💞✨🙏🏻

[@calendulabbra]

💜

[@TheSurvivor1963]

I've been a Luka. Cry each time I listen to "Luka"

[@bernardverbauwen9225]

@@TheSurvivor1963 For all the "Luka"

[@jeremyacton4569]

I really enjoyed this. I also learned a lot about electric guitar accompaniment. That was a big guitar very tastefully applied to the music and the small room. Thanks to the performers and all on production.

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

Jeremy Acton Definitely heard sounds from that beautiful instrument l don't recall hearing before. Top shelf musician. Does anyone know the model of guitar. Amazing tone.

[@bcisbell]

If you ever get a chance to see her, with her band live, you see one of the tightest shows ever. The majority of her songs do not have a spare note. Listen to the individual instruments and they barely, if at all, sound like the song but put them together and it's full blown music. Beautiful. This guy on lead is a blast to watch.

[@larryh.3173]

@@eugenewardjr.3506 It's a PRS Hollowbody with piezo (going by the tiny switch and control layout).

[@thekingofelfland3294]

Guitarist is Gerry Leonard.

[@marshalllancaster2314]

another gem on Tiny Desk Concert

[@rhythmguy1]

Just discovered her - what a talent and what a treat!!! And, as a duet, they totally nail it😉

[@andrewfielden284]

Very few artists could sing Tom's Diner in the way that she does. She has one of those unique and amazingly interesting voices that holds your attention and puts life into any song. And time has not diminished her talent. This performance demonstrates her immense natural skills. Wonderful stuff!

[@astr43us]

Fun fact: Tom's Diner is the song they used to calibrate the MP3 standard.

[@rudyvanrooijen8766]

Astr aeus, yes and no... It was mainly used to test different compression algorithms. They found her clean and delicate voice ideal to test the quality of the algorithms. But yeah, I always found this 'fun fact' to be awesome, as I loved Suzanne Vega so much and (before the Tom's Diner remix) nobody knew who she was.

[@Fiorellandia]

WHOA 😱nice fact dude!

[@shanghunglu186]

@@rudyvanrooijen8766 I guess most people knew Suzanne Vega from her No. 3 Hits "Luka". and I loved her songs, her albums, her voice and her, too.

[@frogsoda]

I was fortunate enough to hear the original version of Tom's Diner live at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. I've never heard a better version of it since, although this guitarist is incredibly amazing! And Suzanne's voice has only gotten better with time.

[@nathanlewis42]

Unsurprisingly it was also the first song ever made into an mp3.

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

vega's first album is sublime. buy it. i would love to have a glass of wine with this woman.

[@garydunn3037]

Her first two albums were, as you say, sublime. Have you heard her new acoustic recordings of much of her older, as well as more recent material, on her new 4 disc Close-Up collection. They are well worth a listen to any fan of Suzanne's music.

[@N0eWats0n]

So would I! She's a real artist!

[@garydunn3037]

N0eWats0n I already have all 4 Close-Up discs because she released them here in Europe a couple of years back. They are well worth buying because she has re-recorded a lot of her old material, plus some of her newer stuff. She has recorded the songs in a stripped back style, which I personally prefer to the originals. She is due to release the 4 disc set sometime in August, with a bonus dvd recorded last year in New York. If you really like her music, you will not be disappointed.

[@joaogsp]

It's impressive how much quality those artists from older ages (the good ones) have on their voice and it lasts to nowadays after so many years. Maybe it happens because they're real artists. Suzanne Vega's voice is so delightful that you can't stop listening it! ❤️

[@claumonas]

I love hearing Suzanne after so many years! Greetings from Argentina.

[@RussellWatson777]

Still in awe...so many years....

[@taila1976]

She's a beautiful lady with a beautiful soul.

[@KenRuan]

Luka is such a powerful song I have no words to describe its impact with helping me make sense of my own [interpretation of my] childhood. ❤️

[@cocomanuel]

listening this in 2020 I love her voice and style

[@marcob4630]

Suzanne is still a great singer and beautiful too. A high class artist, not for all. Only the English Dido is her follower : also classy and talented, similar in style

[@Jointanatomy]

aging with styyyle :)

[@marcob4630]

True !!

[@ronmccarthy6392]

I see no aging. I'd like to see u.k. drummer chris higginbottom play alongside her and gerry leonard and bass guitar michael visceglia but i can wait, i'm an easygoing man.

[@maocharlisme]

Whenever I hear Luka... I know for sure that I'm human and that I never have to doubt that I have bucket loads of empathy, compassion and love within me!♡!

[@natfoss5031]

That is so sweet. Someday people like you will rule the planet and my ghost will be at peace.

[@sunsioux444]

brilliant 🌞

[@hueyprayii4534]

What a beautiful person. Fantastic singer then and now. I love her. Never forgotten. Cheers.

[@MarcelaOrtizS]

sO HumBLE...SO UNIQUE...beautiful and talented Suzanne...hugs from Chile

[@warpspeed9877]

Thank you for being there. Your music was always a beacon of good taste and meaningful stories...

[@onlymarkallen]

Holy shite, Gerry Leonard. Super talent to back you up. Probably one of the best overall producer/player in the biz. The amazing glue behind Bowie's tours. He has a talent for getting huge sound and layering on stage that is nothing short of miraculous.

[@qdee6250]

onlymarkallen I had wondered why this man seemed so dominant with his insertions .

[@kenbrownfield6584]

He really is phenomenal

[@kathyoettle9156]

I knew he looked familiar. I've been watching a bunch of live performances by Bowie!

[@blissfulbaboon]

He is amazing!

[@william4661]

cool! I had no idea...

[@DateTwoRelate]

A national treasure. She single-handedly brought back NYC folk and made us see how important it is in our lives and in the lives of "out-of-towners."

[@simonbertioli4696]

How can anybody be negative with this video... She has that calming voice...even helps the soul..stars at night with a seagull flying about, with its body lit up by the moon...thank you for sharing this video...👍👏👏

[@symbian74]

They have no soul.

[@rkrw576]

I love this music they way I loved folk in high school in the 1970s. Brilliant, full of empathy, intelligent images.

[@martadelgrandi4645]

this is totally my favorite NPR session

[@Jez2008UK]

That was all sooooooo beautiful. Beautiful in absolutely every respect. Man, thank you soooo much KZbin for bringing us these wonderful delights.

[@MangoNizer]

It's not just her voice. Also her eyes are incredibly beautiful and deep.

[@MelodyFox]

This still brings tears... maybe because of some abuse I went through too... (Thank you Suzanne for all this) LPM

[@caw2161]

Professional musicians at their best. I still have a crush on Suzanne Vega, even after all these years. Just don't argue...

[@caw2161]

@Werewolf O. London, Esq. lol exactly

[@damnyankeefl]

You aren’t the only one who wants to hold her like a baby :-)

[@MrWhiteamin]

@@damnyankeefl She is so honest and old bluffer like me drcks ups .!

[@Velocity0428]

Her natural singing voice sounds like it's coming from a synthesizer. ... Gold truly doesn't rust.

[@soundseeker63]

Just magical! Amazing artist and amazing woman. I cannot tell the difference between her vocals here vs from '87. She has looked after herself very well! I love the new songs too - Delicate, insightful, but impactful, just like her old classics! Beautifully performed by both!

[@luckysakonta2718]

Beautifully put👊🏽💕

[@salinalynxpaw4107]

Oh lord Suzanne and your guitarist are a heavenly blend... my daughters and I saw you in New York, an amazing memory for years to come, thank you!

[@garydunn3037]

I was fortunate enough to see Suzanne here in the UK twice. On both occasions her show was wonderful. She has a great rapport with her audience, and I love the stories she tells between the songs as she relates how each song came to be. Like you say, the shows are for me, amazing memories of two wonderful evenings of entertainment that I will look back on fondly for years to come.

[@leorexcayaban8097]

Gary Dunn Shepherd's Bush Empire. Back in '98.

[@garydunn3037]

***** Yeah, I reckon this was probably at her best, playing all her older stuff. Don't get me wrong, she has made some wonderful music since 98. In 2001 her album "Songs in Red & Gray" was a return to her accoustic routes. Also, her album later album revolving around her life in New York was also brilliant. I'm not to keen on her latest album, because of the subject material. However, I will continue to enjoy her older music 4-ever. Thanks Suzanne.

[@jdc3636]

I remember listening to this song when it was first released. It was so different from songs at the time. One of my all time favorite song.

[@woodbe5311]

OMG that voice. You really touch my heart. :)

[@azdreamingrl321]

OMG, love Suzanne Vega!

[@trankgrappa]

beautiful! Suzanne sings, plays and looks still the same - and Gerry is a heck of a good guitarplayer! thanks for sharing :)

[@MitchQuintana]

This is the best Tiny Desk concert.

[@ChrisClarkHQ]

This was therapeutic in so many ways. Incredible what a good duo can achieve

[@shike67]

so subtle and understated, so different from modern vocalists trying to hit a dozen notes every 5 seconds

[@conorsmith8551]

Hate that, nothing worse than a show off , so long as you sing with tone and beauty, that’s all that matters :)