Sam Smith: Tiny Desk Concert

Stephen Thompson | September 29, 2023
What you've got here is a perfect 20-minute distillation of The Sam Smith Experience: The Grammy-winning 2014 ballad that kicked off the singer's career ("Stay With Me"), a sleek dance-pop banger ("How Do You Sleep") and a chart-topping dollop of debauched hedonism ("Unholy") bundled together with "Lay Me Down," in which Smith performed a gorgeous duet with LaDonna Harley-Peters. From the stately to the louche and bawdy - Smith even introduced "Unholy" with a perfect summation of their recent artistic direction: "Let's get saucy!" - it's all here.
Performing with an 11-person choir and two instrumentalists - sadly, Kim Petras wasn't there to emerge from between Smith's legs as if she were being birthed - Smith brought an overflowing bag of tricks to the proceedings. But what really shone through was a sense of movement: Each song swayed and played effervescently, centering Smith while also elevating every other magnificent voice in support. This set may not serve as anyone's introduction to the music of Sam Smith, but it's still a hell of a gateway - and a joy to behold.
SET LIST
"Stay With Me"
"How Do You Sleep"
"Lay Me Down (feat. LaDonna Harley-Peters)"
"Unholy"
MUSICIANS
Sam Smith: vocals
Ruth O'Mahony Brady: piano, effects
Ben Totten: guitar
LaDonna Harley-Peters: vocals
Patrick Linton: choir
Lucita Jules: choir
Megan Thomaston: choir
Brandon Payne: choir
Christian King: choir
Troi Lauren: choir
Roy Dyshon Warren: choir
Carmen Kirvy: choir
Shalisha Smith: choir
Safa Alston: choir
Ant Clemons: choir conductor
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Sofia Seidel, Catie Dull
Audio Assistant: Hannah Gluvna
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #samsmith

[@nprmusic]

WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT! Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway (enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!) Now the fun fine print stuff... No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec)) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.

[@lenieyamoore3893]

EXACTLY WHAT I SAID ‼️ this ain't enough ‼️‼️‼️

[@aureacadete]

You guys need to invite Fally Ipupa . 😩🙏🏽

[@drishtyrai]

please invite EXO- DOH KYUNGSOO 😍

[@DeezNuts-if7th]

7 Jm 😅 😅 😅

[@leandrohenrique2571]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@shaykay2389]

The mics were definitely ON🔥🔥🔥Tiny Desk needs to be nominated for something for all of these amazing performances

[@CapricornQueen7425]

I agree.

[@bobbybob6597]

I think the mics were off

[@TheShary78]

Sam was amazing. Lucitaaa I see you girllll, you definitely delivered!! 🥰

[@TheUcfgoldenknights]

⁠@@bobbybob6597it’s a video… if the microphones were off you wouldn’t hear anything…

[@chioma916]

proud to be the like that brought this comment to 1k!

[@slaider8539]

0:01 Stay with me 4:37 How do you sleep? 10:26 Lay Me Down(feat. LaDonna Harley-Peters) 16:32 Unholy Have fun everybody 👋

[@LemonC00kies]

You’re doing the Lords work. Thank you!

[@jdtheuno]

Should had did 'Latch 'also

[@ztarr]

​@@jdtheunoAgreed!!

[@Aqua_babe713]

Thank you!☺️

[@Ms.C.G.B]

Thank you

[@kindasortanull]

Honestly, I need a full 2 hour tiny desk from Sam Smith. They have way too many good songs that are perfect for this format.

[@TranelHawkins]

Right! Acoustic, just singing.

[@lunalovesprocrastination9248]

YES! diamonds, i'm not the only one, six shots, him, pray and so much more besides the ones on here

[@redbloodcltv7019]

ong

[@HalfBloodOtter]

Sam smith is just one person. Call him by he, not they. Idiots

[@mariahc.crawley884]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MissSorceress]

I love that he can be the singer in front but can somehow fade into the back to let all the backup/supporting musicians style. So humble.

[@leoreyes9229]

The pianist doesn’t get enough love. She absolutely killed it !

[@azellemani6536]

Are you the pianoist

[@MFBloosh]

She broke the pads out and everything.

[@Max-jf5vu]

Yeah, so so good!

[@bngs1983]

The lovely pianist was in her zone and Sam was doing his thing. The choir was excellent.

[@cassandraportus3487]

She was awesome! ❤

[@garyrandall3059]

The NPR sound engineers should receive a grammy for their amazing recording techniques!!

[@BootsandBriar]

Highly underrated comment. They are better than any studio out there

[@ilikemusic808]

I can't tell you how many times great artists get done dirty by sound engineering... TinyDesk is the GOAT

[@EmmaSmith-dp6rq]

​@@BootsandBriarNahh 😅 They are exceptional though no doubt

[@Joseph-wf4qg]

LIVE Bruv!!! A Whole Nother Catagory!¡!

[@Kyliebby]

AGREED!!!

[@pkweller]

Once again tiny desk ruins all recordings of an artist for me because this is just so freaking good. I want an entire album with Sam and the choir.

[@fauzakisu2122]

This is exactly what I’ve just shared with someone, this show, Chloe’s….👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@Whatisahandlehuh]

Those days are gone lol

[@BjornTvoric]

Traditionnal NPR curse : discovering an artist via tiny desk and being unable to listen to anything else but his tiny desk :,)

[@glossykisses]

I feel like Sam is the exception. He doesn't need backup.

[@inmyOWN_world]

Chills

[@latinochicano778]

Julianne Moore is killing it on the piano 😂

[@jennifertiller6937]

😂😂😂😂

[@stephaniebrignoni2010]

😅😅

[@gabrielgonzalezb.6852]

hahahahahahahahaa

[@isabelnunes3844]

Absolutely true😂😂😂

[@DavidMiller-kf1ss]

😂

[@aylatt3970]

Not only is Sam a brilliant vocalist, but I don't know if I've ever seen a big artist show so much love and appreciation for their backing vocalists and musicians. Sam is always putting the spotlight on them, and making sure they get their flowers. It's beautiful to see, and you can tell they adore Sam too. Whole crew radiates love and TALENT

[@UnapologeticallyAriSmi]

Usher did on his tiny desk as well ❤

[@alexpbudgets]

​@@UnapologeticallyAriSmiyup, so did Coldplay! 🎉

[@Kyliebby]

​@@UnapologeticallyAriSmihe sure did 🥺🥺👏🏻👏🏻 one of my favorites!!

[@qwncity]

It only felt like family 🤎🙏🏾👑

[@naomm8832]

sam‘s voice + the choir = absolute heaven 😍

[@BongoBaggins]

Yeah, they drown him out. He should always have a choir

[@mattjackson8509]

Amen

[@nahtayrome6007]

​@@BongoBagginsthat man can sang. You straight trippin boo

[@annarosap]

Yesss

[@cindyortiz6294]

I love all of them😍😍😍

[@curlykeys8261]

Honestly every single time a tiny desk comes out I get so upset because the arrangements are always absolutely breathtaking AND I WANT THEM ON SPOTIFY hahaha

[@TheLowkeyChef]

same!

[@EpaminondasNeto]

One of the main reasons why I switched to youtube music!

[@xpo3oxhitherto149]

OMG YES!

[@Chechuf]

KZbin Music is the secret hahaha

[@TheCaliforniaHP]

Seriously. Arguably the best version of every artist's song is on Tiny Desk

[@selmaelbaqir4731]

That ended too fast! we need more!!

[@alehxnc]

Shout out to the pianist girl! She was absolutly amazing.

[@MOBROOKS]

True

[@Whateverjourn]

Whats her name

[@ricardoleonurrutia6463]

Ruth O'Mahony Brady@@Whateverjourn

[@Pahysteria]

Ruth O'Mahony Brady

[@robot_hitcher]

13:55 Ruth is killing it from here

[@sydneyshau5897]

Timestamp 00:00 "Stay With Me" 04:37 "How Do You Sleep" 10:27 "Lay Me Down (feat. LaDonna Harley-Peters)" 16:35 "Unholy"

[@leeleemee]

Thank you 😊

[@regiij174]

Not all heroes wear capes. Thanks!

[@kdahata]

Thanks for this.

[@amritatiwari6506]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Priss312]

So beautiful!

[@OfficialDesimberRose]

If you sing on Tiny desk, then you can SANG for real... cuz ain't no studio tricks to clean it up, Sam's voice is Pitch Perfect!

[@lifeofbella9246]

Sam and the singers

[@SERIOUSLEE774]

it can be pre record

[@rudolphmcneill515]

I think the point of this show is that it isn't "prerecorded." You can obviously tell that it's all live.

[@alethiacampbell1365]

That's right!!

[@leaf6356]

​@@SERIOUSLEE774the entire point of tiny desk is to show that some artists can sing live just as good as they sound on their records, it's NEVER pre-recorded. anyone passionate about music would see and hear that.

[@challajuzalei6126]

'How do you sleep?' was so phenomenal, but the section from 6:45 - 8:23 is really something else. The choir coming in and out, the pianist playing beautifully, and Sam Smith in the quieter moments is so magical.

[@mrom3777]

My lord - that version with Ladonna needs to be recorded and released! And Sam you should do an entire album like this. Your voice is incredible but with the singers only vocal harmonies with the twist version on your songs .,.. my god ….totally moving- emotional roller coaster but in a good way! Thank you for your wonderful music and all of you sharing your talent with us.

[@macarena994]

Me paso lo mismo.

[@lynnebaldwin330]

Absolutely. I had full body goosebumps.

[@Capyhandler]

100%

[@ck9743]

I had goosebumps down my legs when they performed this at the concert in DC

[@qwncity]

Keep speaking it - your words are powerful royalty

[@rogarciascetti]

I just came to the comments to see if I wasn't the only one who cried.... of course not. Thank you humans. Thank you Sam, the choir, the pianist, the guitarist and you Tiny.

[@Jaxillan]

I boohooed on lay me down

[@RJasmine18]

Big stinkin tears!!!!

[@akeiyawoods1010]

I screamed sang Sam and cried I seen him in concert and he is the best

[@selalewis9189]

I was crying within ten seconds ❤

[@binkyandgunther]

oh we’re crying 🥹🥹🥹

[@ATARINLUV22]

It's septemeber 29, 2023. I'm in my room staring at this performance on my computer. There's a flash flood warning in New York. I'm crying hearing LaDonna and Sam sing Lay Me Down. I have goosebumps all over from the vocals and harmony. Exactly the voice hug I needed today. Thank you for this NPR!

[@ninarobertson3901]

Be safe friend!

[@sushizilla11]

oh snap, me too. This flood is wilddd!

[@oramitamatos3208]

❤❤

[@t.martinez5926]

You summed this video up beautifully: "voice hug".

[@lolitapausini8452]

Mucha fuera para salir de esa situación,abrazo desde Uruguay ❤️ yo estoy trabajando y viendo esta maravilla

[@davadoo696]

The fact that this is raw. No autotune or pitch corrector. Like back in the day, like singers in the 90s and backwards. This is so rare in today's time and I'm so grateful for singers that keep choosing to do it this way. This is beautiful!

[@carissaingram5618]

I haven’t heard a performance in a while that left me in such awe. Sam Smith’s old music will always be my favorite. Sam, the choir, and the pianist are all such amazing performers.

[@teddybrooksjr.2868]

Sam still does Ballads! Idk why they chose Unholy as the lead single for Gloria because most of the songs were ballads.

[@qwncity]

Thank you 👑

[@JeroenvanSteijn]

@@teddybrooksjr.2868 because it streamed 1,4 billion times on Spotify alone? It's genius although albeit not my favourite.

[@marbleproxyshouseofzen7226]

The energy of this group was amazing. Sam should do a full album of their songs like this with that choir because they were SANGIN'

[@thanim9724]

*his

[@marbleproxyshouseofzen7226]

@@thanim9724 choke

[@nycxed521]

I agree with you, the choir is amazing. However, artist usually don't use choir on their albums. Choir's usually sound best / better at live performances.

[@rohlehr]

💯 🔥🔥🔥

[@juliannagopie9444]

Agreed!!!!

[@shaunawells2562]

OH DEAR! I forgot how much I absolutely adore Sam Smiths old stuff. The looks of appreciation between LaDonna and Sam made my heart so happppppy . absolutely beautiful

[@vijaz5559]

SAME holy cow. this is trully felt like a comeback

[@terryb9197]

this version of how do you sleep is like 1000x better than the original

[@tmackie1694]

Edited with proper pronoun :) Love the pianist. She is so tuned in with Sam and often glancing back to stay connected with their performance. She has so much groove and passion, and so much feel on the keys. Very talented.

[@djdiegomarteens]

1000% agree.. plus I was wondering how they bring that big piano to the tiny space.

[@DJMissRay]

Came to say this... also seems like she might be the music director too... Brilliant.

[@Andrew-tl9gk]

She plays very very basic piano notes. Maybe she is a good painist (I dont know her) but this notes everyone can play it like this.

[@gbxdrums]

@@Andrew-tl9gk OP said groove, passion, and feel. Theres more to music than "notes".

[@philjargent]

yup, she is incredible. Beautiful sound.

[@Kempire]

I wish more artists would use supporting vocalists. This is a perfect example how it can be a magical experience. Perfection. Sam always loved a choir. Glad they decided to do their Tiny Desk this way.

[@LaPetite510]

Hey @Kempire! Your post led me straight to this performance. Thank You for sharing & for consistently providing great content.

[@tkay5904]

Hey @Kempire!

[@Kempire]

@@LaPetite510 🤎🤎🤎

[@qwncity]

🤎🙏🏾👑 We agree - it creates more of a phenomenon when they are used.

[@aMeNtS1984]

One white guy, in a sea of black. One stand out vocalist, with a choir that stand out equally. Yet the only name shown is Sam Smith. Shame….. Sad Australian. …😢

[@fotoing7432]

the musical arrangement for "Unholy" is simply spectacular, beautiful Tiny Desk!

[@tishabeesha3241]

Yes!! I need that version ASAP. Literally gave me chills!

[@tremichael8202]

Agree! It's amazing!!

[@charmellelexis7881]

True

[@ericksolis7294]

And they had so much fun!

[@KirkDustin80]

Word!!! The arrangement, the background vocals, the PIANO and Guitar were FIRE!!! SO GOOD

[@KirkDustin80]

This choir is 🔥 !!!! SAM is always a beast. But this choir KILLED the background vocals FR FR

[@adrienbeatty]

Sam needs an acoustic album. If you haven't listened to some of the acoustic versions of his first album I suggest you do. His voice is impeccable. Absolutely LOVED this session. The singers did their thing.

[@qwncity]

Thanks Qwn! And yes, to the acoustic versions.... check them out!

[@bktresor]

Sam uses they/them pronouns :) So: Their voice is impeccable, for example ✨

[@kunozi_2366]

The dudes voice is amazing, his vocals are always consistent. Great guy!

[@accordiongordon]

Their*

[@accordiongordon]

@@kunozi_2366their*

[@ashleybaby6208]

Not me crying the whole entire performance. Standing ovation from my desk Sam Smith and this phenomenally talented choir!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ladyt4905]

Me too. Was just a crying. I love true art.

[@HisLady1022]

Same yall. Real tears!!

[@cb4664]

Yeah I cried when that young lady started singing. Then them together. Just beautiful.

[@emj970]

Same. The choir is demonstrating soul music is a feeling ❤

[@moniqueh728]

Lay me down had me in tears. It was amazing!

[@yolandaoctober]

The only bad thing about this is that it ends! Criminally short!! Absolutely beautiful Sam! ❤️

[@ma14.27]

@@georgeorwellsghost3833slay, sis.

[@qwncity]

agreed. We want more

[@chiomatawose9520]

“Lay me down “ is by far his best performance on Tiny Desk. The way I teared up. So beautiful done

[@prestonmatthews725]

Fam! Especially when they harmonize during the duet.

[@nitarhodes42]

Sis on the piano is a vicious attack all by herself!! This was epic!

[@dominiquemelissa7613]

She was enjoying herself for real😂

[@MrMajoJA]

She was INSANE! Her matching him in lay me down was amazing!

[@kiefdemon1979]

I was thinking the same thing

[@nitarhodes42]

@dominiquemelissa7613 If "Don't threaten me with a good time" was a person, Ms. Thang on piano is it! 😄

[@donuts8435]

@@MrMajoJA fr thought I was the only one

[@venadacent7696]

Props to the piano player....she really got into it!

[@luxxpro2206]

I miss Reuben James 😢

[@dennisemosha]

Es fantástica!!! ❤

[@KaylynKorir-bs7bh]

Unbelievable and unthinkable icon everlasting forever more

[@carsforverside1165]

the best pianist in the world

[@MegaGreat25]

& the back up singers of color 🔥

[@ellyfaewilliams2234]

It's a shame that Sam isn't doing all his live performances with this group. They made magic here!

[@SweeetestMelissa]

🥰

[@lilydelacour]

Yeah, I always love the background vocals of the Tiny Desk Concerts. They should definitely join some of the musicians for their live performances. :D

[@barbiefunkyfaceb]

They don't all performance for free,🤷🏼‍♀️ there is a price amount for them to all perform live together ok. MATTERS PEACE&LOVE

[@lnnthl]

*their

[@ivyantonio4043]

too many of them not gonna lie. sam is a great vocalist, he didn't need to hide behind the voices of 11 other black voices. 5 could have been the max.

[@flyguy4351]

This version of How do you sleep is immaculate

[@mphorathipa6065]

been repeating it while am working in the office

[@rainingsunshine25]

This. Sams voice. The choir. The piano. The piano player. Literal perfection.

[@gabbikitchen]

YEEEEES

[@julietchikaiiversen3465]

And the group hug at the end, aaaaww!

[@carmensanmartindelgado3822]

💟🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹💟

[@tmarian8397]

This version of "How Do You Sleep" is gonna be my favourite for a very long time. This whole concert was so beautiful. The choir, the pianist, the guitarist, Sam's VOCALS ♥️...All so perfect and amazing.

[@kburdy]

Even the guy on strings was shook by the second chorus 🤭

[@barbaracavalherrossi3097]

SAME!!!!!!!! I listen to it at least 10 times a day every since this came out haha goosebumps every time with all the harmonies

[@vidolia]

i was looking for this comment!

[@qwncity]

We got something for that HDYS rendition. its too good

[@TiffanyVarney-q2n]

Need this version of ‘How Do You Sleep’ published somewhere PLEASE

[@jc_videogooglebrandaccount3926]

Agree!!

[@rachou971]

I litteraly had chills🥹

[@bethwelkipruto9177]

💯

[@marianacaro9546]

Mee too😊

[@AsiaFromBrooklyn]

Ladonna and Sam’s voice melt into each others so beautifully ❤

[@atxrich]

The arrangement was 🔥. It was simple and just allowed everyone’s voices to shine. Sam Smith never disappoints.

[@theebrewallace]

0:00 Intro (Stay With Me) 4:43 How Do You Sleep 10:31 Lay Me Down 16:51 Unholy

[@wox4f]

god bless your soul

[@toniacollinske2518]

The backup group is immaculate. Sam is impeccable. I feel blessed to witness their performance. Thank you.

[@ForbsieLaLa]

He has excellent and talented backup singers. I love how he sometimes give them an opportunity to shine as well

[@gaila.9852]

@@ForbsieLaLa They!

[@thanim9724]

*He

[@sophhiebn]

@@thanim9724they*

[@hjkayel9610]

12:35 OH MY LORDDDD her voice is so hauntingly beautiful

[@allanbahati1942]

The backing singers are on point. And it’s great to hear Sam’s pure voice once again👌👌👌

[@SandyDelMar42]

We need a choir version of every Sam song ASAP this was glorious

[@qwncity]

agreed - lets start with HDYS

[@SOANGIE4]

I need this performance to be nominated for something. I can't stop listening to "how did you sleep" - Sam pls put this version out.

[@rnmatsuda]

Not many artists could perform with such a choir of great singers and not fade into the background. Mad respect! Loved it and definitely want more !!!

[@matthewglenn5326]

Yesterday I said why doesn't Sam Smith have a tiny desk yet? I searched the tiny desk wiki and nothing. Then this drops?!

[@Marina-rz4oj]

Magic🎉

[@giovannirusco2728]

Cap lol but, I agree, this tiny desk is perfect timing!

[@PrivateAccountSK]

who the f cares

[@sherlynandigarcia3873]

It was very short 😕🥺🥺

[@allisonbutler4829]

Manifestinggggg ❤🎉

[@clowicous]

Tiny desk, like why aren’t you putting these up as tracks to listen to on like Spotify or something, you get the best live versions of everything I BEED TO LISTEN TO THEM CONSTANTLY!

[@cindytorres5147]

youtube premium 🎉 rocks

[@samazoid]

youtube ads YOU ARE UNDER ARREST

[@Hestia134]

😂😂

[@SoulSearch11110]

😂😂😂

[@johnthedon7883]

*laughs in KZbin premium*

[@RAS2828]

🤣

[@AlponVilladores-h1j]

Use revanced

[@CameronWilliams-m4z]

I need this version of “how you sleep” on streaming platforms

[@sya]

Wow miss LaDonna Harley-Peters. I don't think I've ever heard Lay Me Down sound so good coming from someone other than Sam. What a voice!

[@joshuaholland3705]

True professionals. Everyone is in sync, vocals on point. There is no way NPR ever gets a noise complaint. NPR should start doing concerts.

[@gailtowns]

Agree. These put other public broadcasting concerts to shame. @npr, what are you doing monetize these? ❤

[@qwncity]

Thank you. It's great being able to work with professionals and have fun! The entire office is usually excited to join the concert so no complaints to be lodged. lol

[@shellzzp]

This whole mini concert is SUCH A VIBE. From Sam’s amazing vocals to that beast of a choir and the beautiful pianist. Even the guitarist, they were all so in sync with eachother! Whew ima need a part 2 y’all! ❤

[@mitalishinde6890]

Yesss

[@irkah]

PLEASE NPR HEAR OUR PLEA! Part 2 Part 2!!!!

[@reneemcfarlane3067]

His voice is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! 😭😭😭 and can we talk about the choir? 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾

[@vinceking8617]

The calibre of Sams voice supported by the back up singers shows his talent. A great format!

[@overapology]

The video I didn’t ask but needed 🙏

[@olipaul101]

Just Sam, an incredible choir and a pianist is all we need, no theatrics just pure vocals 🎙

[@elliewithg]

Why this is extra special and beautiful? Not just they are all very very talented. It’s because everyone is just authentic and enjoying their performance. You can feel that they love what they do that you want to go inside the screen and join the jam and just vibe with them.

[@creativequeen8371]

Definitely ❤

[@taylorrenee4880]

It’s immersive, isn’t it? I love it.

[@qwncity]

This makes all of the difference 🙏🏾🤎👑

[@mcee8489]

So heartwarming to see a big artist supporting other supporting artists such as Donna - love in the music industry..gives me tears of joy

[@jomae647]

I don’t normally watch tiny desk episodes more than once. But this is my 3rd visit here. Everybody here is so incredibly talented. It’s jus brilliant.

[@BC-uj4nu]

Oh, come on. I've rewatched Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Imogen Heap, Alicia Keys like dozens of times. Sam Smith is the next one in this line😊

[@montegordino]

Go to Jorja Smith... I went there 25 times (minimum) ☺

[@TBContent24]

@@BC-uj4nu Anderson paak

[@annurraushania]

me too, its my 10th visit here,

[@kirstylouise1113]

Yes! Watched dermot kennedys 800 times 😂

[@derrickfynn-essien4261]

The pianist understood the assignment. 🔥🔥🔥 awesome performance by everyone

[@qwncity]

Didn't she!? Thank you Kng👑🤎

[@ADSOCM]

The duet for Lay Me Down isn’t getting enough credit. Their voices compliment eachother perfectly!

[@FletcherMoyo]

i'm saying! goosebumps! amazing

[@timothyhannibal6001]

It was definitely the one!

[@fabioarrua]

She is a long time singing partner , check Disclosure - Hotline Bling (Drake cover in the Live Lounge) ft. Sam Smith as well as the other songs from that session

[@judobrett]

It was my highlight. The pure happiness they look at each other with is magic…

[@loydap1775]

She made me tear up! Her voice was like a warm hug!

[@kierancarter5639]

For some reason what really gave me goosebumps (apart from literally the whole performance) was the way Sam said “Sing with us!” near the end of How do you Sleep. They said it with such an inviting tone and a genuine excitement. It’s clear Sam’s ethos is that music is for everyone. What a beautiful and extraordinarily talented human, and what amazing musicians. ❤

[@GenRN]

How did I get to watch this for FREE?!? Thank you NPR!!!!! I’ve got chills. Amazing!!

[@YouTube]

such angelic voices ahhhh 🥰

[@hselonmusk999]

​@@Kelescopefact's 💯

[@francisrosales3118]

🤨

[@qmtycrittmc]

Love Love this performance ❤

[@the_toxicity_99]

funny choice of words.

[@nikkiminaj443]

Very KZbin 😊

[@alisab3041]

The strength of these VOICES, backed up by only 2 instruments - WOW! The pianist was amazing! Thank you to them all, and to Tiny Desk! ❤

[@cecemimi9304]

Yes the pianist was amazing!

[@aerenstormchild]

Those bass notes from that piano was soooo good

[@aomoon81]

Ruth O’mahony-Brady rocking on the piano!

[@JohnJay2ful]

The pianist was also operating what looks like an OP-1 and SP-404 synths. Legend!

@@JohnJay2fulthanks I was trying to work that out!

[@conniesmith7104]

Sammmm, Ladonna!! This group of singers 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😊the This was such a breath of fresh air. I absolutely love this entire tiny desk. It just needed to be about three times as long.

[@mauricioleao7443]

This version of “how do you sleep” should be on spotify. Soooooo good and magic

[@melisaphiri6298]

It’s beeen on repeat 😭🤌🏾🤌🏾🔥🔥

[@nameisamine]

I prefer it over the original.

[@lucasrdf]

most definetely

[@joywilson8860]

I had NO idea that it could've gotten any better. It's my favourite song by Sam. When he introduced it as his second song I literally screamed and started crying from sheer joy😊

[@amberhairston512]

I listen to it more than I ever have the original! Truly a masterpiece 😩

[@pleasemyplants3447]

Sam's voice never fails to get me in my feels. This is one of my favorite tiny desk concerts!!

[@cinefiend4059]

Truly one of the best performances on Tiny Desk. The chemistry between Sam and this exceptional choir is absolutely heavenly. I was in tears listening to Lay Me Down. LaDonna is incredible. Sam is one of those artists who makes it look so effortless. He's amazing. Watching him and his choir in bed on a Friday afternoon made me so so happy. Much love to each and everyone of you. And much love to Tiny Desk for showcasing another unforgettable performance.

[@blairelliott]

Sam uses they/them pronouns fyi.

[@cecemimi9304]

Agreed! One of the best performances!

[@reddragonready]

Good for him @@blairelliott

[@HiyaaGeorgie]

@@blairelliottthat’s great for him. for all of us living in reality know he’s a male. Amazing music from this dude nonetheless!

[@wandagreene3062]

Nope!

[@denbunk7815]

16:40 "bounce with us...okaay". 🔥🔥 I haven't even heard whats about to happen yet. I just paused so i could time stamp this comment. I hope im ready for what im about to hear. Lets go!!

[@B3GR8T]

When Sam sung “lay by your side” and the background singer had her eyes closed just listening made me feel the song even more

[@dwaroundtheworld]

i was weeping!!

[@johnnyfrank8450]

Spot on. What a moment!

[@yannarosado4101]

SET LIST "Stay With Me": 0:01 "How Do You Sleep" : 4:35 "Lay Me Down (feat. LaDonna Harley-Peters)" - 10:25 "Unholy" : 16:36

[@FreckledAngels]

This should be the top comment! Thanks for the info 😊

[@ButchBrown7]

Adele, Sam Smith & Amy Whinehouse knew how awesome Black Vocalist added to their sound✌He has a great voice like Sting has it's an instrument

[@apprilleh]

Everyone knows we bring that fire!!!!

[@vintagechick4086]

George Michael

[@vergodagoat]

And those are some of my top favorite artists to listen to. Timeless vocals.

[@KylaSpruce]

I was looking to see if someone else was gonna say it before I commented 😂😂😂

[@tuesdayschild8994]

Well they sang black music 🤷‍♀️

[@CorieCupcakes]

SETLIST 0:00 stay with me 4:37 how do you sleep? 10:29 lay me down 16:35 unholy

[@flesajames7348]

Mr. Smith you definitely need to take this whole concept on the road! You the choir , the pianist, the band!!!’

[@chillarypuff]

@ElonRaymond shut up bot

[@Chow-qq6yw]

Yess definitely I mean, when are the dates and location please 😢❤❤❤❤ talented, hard working and beautiful people = everyone around world deserves to feel themselves smile while listening to music live in all their hometowns

[@nujxad]

13:53 the pianist is straight KILLING it! That performance and duet of Lay me down was so good

[@shierocshieroc3735]

She's a beast!!! 🔥 🔥

[@qwncity]

We love Ruth!!!

[@wizardaka]

She's fabulous, I wonder what else she's done?

[@MarkiiSixx]

Ay you ain't lyin, she was PLAYIN that thang lol

[@jennypenny5739]

I’ve watched this 10 times already. Wish NPR would create a Spotify playlist

[@qwncity]

We support this comment!!

[@jann326]

That would be friggin epic!

[@eliamielsolisceron7155]

I've found some tiny desk in spotify, and I though they were made by NPR, but only C. Tangana's tho.

[@75ebbie]

YES

[@ny0592]

🙌🏻

[@lokichiu9691]

Where can we just get Tiny Desk recordings? (Like Mp3s). Couldn't find anything on Spotify. As others have said, these recordings are next level and a whole other different and new performance than the album versions. Thank you!

[@heyjoejp]

I’m glad I tuned in. Solid performance. The choir was spectacular. Sam is really talented. Tiny desk has spoiled us with some epic performances

[@DeniseWoodward-q2f]

I was in tears during "Lay Me Down". SO moving and beautiful!! I had the privilege of seeing Sam and company in concert when they were in Portland Oregon in August 2023. I am STILL smiling and even more in love with their songs!! Beautiful. Thank you for all the beautiful work! (my favorite is STILL "Love Me More", not performed in concert but I love the message).

[@dixonjamesofficial]

Omg I was there too! That song made me weep on the first chorus, I didn’t see it coming 🥹

[@jodansteneveld9678]

Sam gives off such a safe and happy vibe. And can we have a moment for the vocals and the background singers???

[@urboyfriendzfavsinger]

He is really a beautiful soul. A literal Angel. I was one of the background singers. He treated us like family. What you feel is who he is.

[@cb4664]

@@urboyfriendzfavsingerBeautiful. All of you.

[@missclaudiaj9212]

Perfection

[@DavidRodriguez-gl5pn]

@@urboyfriendzfavsingerhave you watched his music videos? I would not call that an angel

[@lizavetanikolaevna]

​@@DavidRodriguez-gl5pnI believe their videos give a very happy vibe. Love, fun and acceptance.

[@MrsTiffany55]

How do you sleep and Unholy were not my favourite from Sam Smith but I have fallen in love with them. Obsessed with these versions. What a absolute treat this tiny desk concert was!

[@sicnarfsabsab]

That version of Unholy deserves to be among the pantheon of Legendary Tiny Desk performances

[@shortsupply4760]

I was looking for this comment, I am usually not a fan of Sams music but wowwee he absolutely crushed this. That unholy rendition is perfect.

[@qwncity]

It's so good, so fun - just a perfect rendition

[@jordannipper8959]

Time to get saucy 😈 👌🏻

[@schooltime2k]

Yeah, that was crazy!!! Didn't expect that

[@viviancabrera3863]

Tears ✅ Goosebumps ✅ Heart racing ✅ Playing this on repeat ✅ Wishing I could download this ✅ This was amazing❤ 🔥

[@1983Karamel]

Same✅✅

[@karineespindola1626]

This was by far one of the very best Tiny Desk concerts I’ve ever seen.

[@acarmo3]

T-Pain is my other fave one

[@qwncity]

Same

[@MeloWematfombeni-mg7fk]

I like one by Babyface.

[@normanheurtematte]

this is just incredible, Sam angelic voice, black artists so amazinggggg. Im in love with this.

[@bonnastares]

Goosebumps. That Chorus. Sam’s range. It’s all WOW. ❤

[@qwncity]

🤎🤎👑

[@lottydottyda739]

Shoutout to everybody including the pianist!!! Y’all killed it 😩🥰

[@cb4664]

Facts !

[@qwncity]

Thanks Qwn!

[@paperbagbrown6733]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🥰🥰👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@ErintheLiLBucK]

'How Do You Sleep' got me through a really hard time in my life. It was like therapy, like I was seen and justified in how I felt for being so wronged. This version is so gorgeous, so well composed for the group together 💜 And then this version of 'Lay Me Down' just, wow... Thank you for doing this Tiny Desk, it was beautiful 🥹 I hope we can get these versions available for steaming soon!

[@desireenichole_]

Lay Me Down was one of my favorite songs for a very long time!!!! So beautifully done 😢❤

[@phillygyrl34]

I wish this was longer. This performance literally gave me chills.

[@mt2804]

This is where true vocalist and performers go to showcase their raw ability. No gimicks

[@stephanieekross7998]

Hard to follow juvenile but if anyone can, it’s Sam. The voice of an angel, and the other singers are absolute perfection. This is so good

[@gilfilkafish]

Was thinking the same thing

[@downsouthlouisiana]

Anderson Paak, Tobe Nwigwe, August Green, Tank and the Bangas, Ledisi, SaRoc I can keep going. I'm from Louisiana, Juvenile was ok at best. Y'all must be new to the Tiny Desk.

[@hotdayum]

@@downsouthlouisiana she said hard to FOLLOW Juvenile. Nothing against the past performers.

[@outoforder4542]

Agreed!!😊

[@lugo_ayana]

There’s been 27 tiny desk videos after Juve including Action Bronson, Post Malone, and Cypress Hill.

[@shaniquawalker7672]

Sam smith tone is still unmatched

[@thiskiddkelly]

Wow this is by far one of the best tiny desk performances. I was lost for word how of an amazing vocalist Sam is 🥺

[@AC_Alex]

X2

[@ciclopepe1]

And what about Maluma's one?? 😂😂

[@sjc4]

and the supporting singers were absolutely awesome!

[@jhadebredenkamp97]

okay lets not reach

[@jamilajuliette3798]

That performance is amazing, I not only love to listen to them but also watch everyone singing together.

[@trevorevans3956]

Sam is such a great lead vocalist. To stand out in a group of highly talented singer's ain't a easy thing to do. The lady playing the piano is amazing too.

[@pauleugene8286]

Artists should realize, this is the music people want. Not overproduced, sampled nonsense. This was yet another incredible performance by Sam Smith!

[@amandaamaral4912]

Não são os artistas e sim a indústria