Pokey LaFarge: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

LaFarge writes and performs original, sometimes traditional music steeped in American blues, country and Western swing from the days when 78s ruled the record player. Watch him perform a short set at the NPR Music offices, with the help of his band The South City Three.
Set List:
"La La Blues"
"Pack It Up"
"Head To Toe"
For more videos, visit npr.org/tinydeskconcerts

[@martydick4652]

I'm 81 and my son just told me about this guy and I am listening online. Very happy music! I love it.... hand clappin, foot tappin music! Thanks!

[@vibz123rulez]

you still kicking marty?

[@4darin5]

You're telling me: your son just called; you're using a computer AND you're tappin your foot to music??? Marty, you have way too many liberties at the retirement village

[@dandecande]

@@4darin5 darin your a dick

[@kimpisarski9146]

Damn! 81? How old is your son? Cool!

[@aidenjones5073]

You rock it Marty boy

[@markstrugnell]

All four of these guys are very, very, very talented musicians. And my god they are tight. A real pleasure to watch.

[@camplethargic8]

three "very"s - wow

[@stokebailey]

I got to hear bass last week at the Frisco Bar Room with the Gaslight Squares. Excellent. Pokey hasn't been in town for too long.

[@markstrugnell]

@@camplethargic8I know! I thought 4 would have been to many.

[@madogblue]

The way Pokey carries himself, his upright confident posture, his head back crooning is so timeless of a man singing this classic music with skill and style. The percussionist did a great job on Harp on La La La also.

[@joshstrike]

That harmonica player is awesome. Licks are great, but not a single missed note, and that is a long song to play lead on. Like when he gets syncopated with it later on. That's gotta be one of the best live performances I've ever seen of a harp solo. Like many, I can cross-harp just well enough to know a virtuoso when I see one.

[@bencarrier8289]

joshstrike I'm impressed not a moustache hair got ripped out.

[@Damo_Dinkum]

there are no wrong notes on the harmonica lol

[@smonk4473]

Yea that guy might be in Alan Wilson territory.

[@owlexshookster2854]

I thought his washboard was epic as well. never seen one with so many bells (literally) and whistles.

[@coopersmith7502]

@@Damo_Dinkum he said missed, not wrong

[@TigerKing77]

Know what i like bout pokey lafarge South city 3..... EVERYTHING 🎶

[@horrorkid1970s]

The bass player has some real chops...and he plays bass well too

[@garyrobert9085]

I see what you did there. haha

[@mattadrev471]

gosh... I am amazed to see comments like "fake" and "he is doing this for the money"..HAHA. Pokey and his band mates are NOT making out like bandits number one...guys are probably just getting by. Number 2, jesus, they write a lot of their own music so they can sing it in any style they want. What about current ragtime piano players...are they fake and doing it just for the money??? Get out of here - and if you haven't seen Pokey LIVE then you really have no leg to stand on.

[@pfroge]

Yeah, Pokey LaFarge has paid his dues. I talk to musicians in St. Louis all the time. He has a stellar reputation with everyone I have spoken with. He is the real deal. I can't wait for him to come back to St. Louis.....hometown style concert. I am sure they are all getting homesick by now.

[@RichisNumber1]

+Matt Whitmire Well said, lad

[@gabriellee6770]

@Matt AdRev - Love this stuff, and I’m just listening for the first time. Why would anyone say “fake”? I used to know some guys who played similar Americana style music, and their music was lively, fun, and completely genuine to who they were/are as musicians. Pokey LaFarge and his gang were clearly wholeheartedly doing their thang in this npr tiny desk concert. Would love to see them live, if they’re still touring together. And, yeah, go St. Louis blues!

[@sirfultonbishop]

Gabrielle E - Do it if you can! I saw them in Fayetteville AR a couple years ago and they rocked the place!

[@ericjohnson3887]

Lol! In it for the money. If you want to be a rich musician...become rich, then become a musician. Or just do it 'cause you like it. There's worse ways to get by in life.

[@MusicByTheMoon]

"Shall we?" is the best way to start a song.

[@HeavyMetalBluegrass]

I listen to all genres and am always on the lookout for new (to me) songs. How did I not hear of these guys until yesterday? You got a new fan here Pokey. Thanks NPR Music and KZbin for a great forum for music.

[@TouchdownProductions]

it's like a musical time machine. this is beautiful

[@Ombevorder]

I am 70 and just discovered his, "end of my rope" love the rhythm and his rendition

[@Barreddario]

Wow this artificially colored video looks amazing! The 30's must've been some great times!

[@grzegorzmielcarek4359]

Colored by Technicolor. Dug up from South City archives.

[@gluce]

LOL!

[@Hotrodsparky]

@Leah Warrington It's just a joke, they look and sound so authentic that it seems like it was recorded a long time ago in black and white.....

[@mrjackdog]

Come on man!

[@stephenlongo8185]

Well, good times if you don't count the great depression! (sorry for late reply, I just discovered this guy and I am watching everything I can find!)

[@jlepich8319]

All 4 of them could contend as the best IN THE WORLD, Yet they're together. Completely unparalleled. So cool😊

[@g0shu4]

Pokey LaFagre is awesome!!! I've caught this roving troubadour playing in my hometown of Harrisburg a few times. Nice to see him getting national attention!

[@shawncondon8262]

I'm laughing my ass off because this is just so fucking cool.

[@idebiduadeau9719]

Me tooI

[@bruceallen2862]

Me2. J Bruce.

[@t4duke]

Saw them live in Cambridge, Ma with the current lineup which includes a fantastic young female sax player. One of the best shows i have ever seen; what energy! Great musicians and Pokey is a natural entertainer. They sold 3 of their albums on vinyl and i picked up all three. Highly recommended and see them if they are anywhere near you

[@seanhayes6097]

Complete bunch of weirdo's ...precisely my kind of people.

[@laylahofficial]

second that haha. amazing musicians too.

[@mitsuah]

my thoughts exactly, but damn fine music

[@aaronmalnarick6143]

you nailed it! these guys keep showing up on my feed, so they must be my kind of peeps.

[@Marc-rk3os]

When you hear you're weird your whole life, but don't feel it. It's just people who are uncomfortable with what they don't understand.

[@Simon-dh2zq]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@iHeartCoolStuff]

What kind of time capsule did they dig these guys out of? I love everything down to the baggy suit that doesn't fit him that it looks like he won in a dice game.

[@hollyhilpert9417]

My parents would really enjoy this.They grew up in the 1920s and 30s, when music like this was common.They used to sing all kinds of songs, like You are My Sunshine, Pistol packing Momma, Smoke ,Smoke that Cigarette,Minnie the Moochier ,etc. Heck, my dad would sing songs from the 1890s that his parents would sing. Love old time music.

[@patricianoud7096]

@@hollyhilpert9417 Same here, even some of the same songs!

[@leonaltmark2852]

Pokey actually wears vintage 40’s cloth. Took it to max.

[@tracylemme1375]

It is really good to see performers who do not bow to the pressures of the commercial industry. This is truly enjoyable music. Thank you for being yourselves. You make this world a better place.

[@ItsBenbetter]

I've probably listened to this 40 times and I still love it!

[@Mr91495osh]

I'm so impressed with the way the musicians work together and listen to one another to make such beautiful music

[@nickmarica300]

Went and saw them In Roanoke, Va last night! They were absolutely sensational!!! They put on a great show!!! Incredible musicians, to say the least

[@WillowPt]

As good a musician as Pokey is, his greatest talent is in how he connects to the audience. By the end of a performance, you feel as if you're in an intimate and wonderful connection with Pokey and the band, and you can feel his energy lifting you up. Thank you, Pokey!

[@Latino_scholar]

In the age of amplified, synthesized electronic music...It's great to see good old fashion folk music in the spot light.

[@Dulcimerea]

New Pokey LaFarge fan, now to forever.

[@kdevine321]

I'm glad to see Pokey getting the recognition that he deserves. I first started going to his one man shows in little bourbon bars in Louisville in 2005'ish. He'd have a drink with anyone after he was done playing, real friendly to talk with in his 1920's mannerisms. I hope he hasn't changed much in that regard.

[@melanieelliott8417]

Officially addicted to these guys! I just can't get enough

[@rosskelly597]

Pokeys voice is amazing!! great music!

[@charlotteshirley7486]

Leon Redbone has always been a favorite. Pokey does this genre justice.

[@Scitzo987]

A pleasant surprise to see Pokey in 'The Devil all the time'. recognized him right away! brought me back here.

[@shaynenbock3473]

Amazing base!!!!!! Music!!! Keep it coming, thank you!

[@DanielVerberne]

First time I've heard of Pokey and I'm struck but just how much he and his music harks back to the era of his music. He could be a time traveler.

[@bobphillips3222]

Very interesting inlay design on the frets. Looks custom made. Or maybe he found it in a pawn shop where some down-on-his-luck musician had to sell it for the price of a hot meal and some smokes. Great stuff!

[@Punk-HI1]

Seen them in France, august 2016. They were awesome. A truely good discover !

[@habsfan9377]

+Marilize Legajuana are you from the future? how many legajuanas did you inject?

[@MrShbbz]

+Marilize Legajuana he came from the future!

[@Punk-HI1]

Jason C 3 whole marijuanas. Ofc I wanted to say 2015.

[@charliebadger]

XX. It's like the 1920s ..Mississippi... outside the local train station...on A hot Sunday afternoon... Lovely...Brilliant x

[@violette743]

JUST LOVE HIS MUSIC IT IS ALIVE

[@johnmcmahon5225]

I saw Pokey Lafarge in Pittsburgh last night. That was one of the best shows I can ever remember seeing. Pokey's got a little Cab Calloway and Iggy Pop in him, He is a true entertainer, who can do it all in a show.

[@Angeldrinksbeer00]

Its like being transported back in time.. So in love.

[@vaclavslajch9879]

Never knew H.P. Lovecraft was that good at guitar and singing...

[@djdollase]

I come back now and then and just listen to this in wonder: these guys are so young and yet masters of music conceived almost 100 yrs ago... love it. And done with such wit too...

[@drewstaudenmaier2583]

These dudes came through and did a show in small town nowhere Missouri and I was hooked... The show was in an old theater which really added to the whole experience

[@eastwoodcaitlin]

Where has this band been my whole life!? LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!

[@bluesoncamera]

Last weekend Pokey played in Holland, Moulinblues Festival. Pokey and his musicians made the crowd screaming for more, more than any other band this weekend. I'm singing Lalala now, cause I was there ! Wow am I happy, Friday TedeschiTrucks, saturday Pokey Lafarge ! Thanks to NPR for the fantastic series of tiny desk concerts , excellent sound and picture. Great that Sennheiser !

[@Catsaresilly-v5c]

This is true talent, so glad I found them.❤

[@ezduzit90]

Everyone of these guys is great , so much style, you couldn't copy them , pokey is so talented and interesting. I wish them all the luck in the world., they deserve it.

[@chocothemagnificent1019]

These guys should be much more popular! Their talent and originality in our otherwise homogenized society is evident.

[@clockguy2]

I'm surprised that they are still relatively unknown. Excellent performance! I ordered a CD just the other day...can't wait to get it. Love pokey's guitar.

[@keiths4491]

A trip back in time to the late 19th century... like something out of O Brother Where Art Thou? Crazy authentic...

[@antrey5142]

My favorite uncle Kenneth loved Pokey and we listened too him floating down the French broad river many times on hot summer days. This rolled across my feed just when I needed it. Thanks.

[@toniaugusta]

Pokey la Farge, the Wood Brothers, very similar sound. Both great!

[@loreleipetry3821]

These songs can bring you up no matter how low down you are! Love that legit old timey lead singer!

[@Montanagoat13]

Traditions gone but not forgotten, I can dig these type of songs, old-fashioned and absolutely delighting in them..

[@crystalwhitlow2174]

Everything about this is perfect. My boyfriend got to see him live when he came to Birmingham, Al & I’m beyond jealous! 😩 Love you Pokey! You guys are incredible! ❤️

[@pauljojo6855]

I know, hard to imagine anyone would give this a dislike.

[@davidcattin7006]

And now I'm singin' la, la, la! Just learned about him today! He has come to us from another dimension! Please come to Indiana!

[@ncornn]

This is so great,finally some true music I wish they would come play a show near me

[@melanieelliott8417]

Me too!

[@bluesteel5688]

They are all talented musicians who play and sing so well together....very tight....well rehearsed but still manage to inject fresh playing and improv

[@kapitankusto]

Impresionante, me encanta, me traslada a esa América admirable y creativa. Me quedo con tu nombre, señor Pokey LaFarge

[@EliyNeverhood]

¿Lo viste en "The Devil all the time"? Realmente Pokey parece salido de esa época 💖

[@sashapentovmusic]

I always thought Pokey LaFarge was a 90s dance pop band. I was dead wrong. This is awesome!!!

[@FreddoX1]

Pokey is awesome! He's everything American music needs today!

[@ceesvanderwoude]

He’s all AMERICA needs right now

[@grecco_buckliano]

I wish I could upvote this every time I hear it. The little bell on the washboard cracks me up!

[@sarahcarr7021]

Loving this sound. Timeless.

[@notcommon1552]

I just found Pokey Lafarge last week and I immediately listened to his every songs. I love his music.

[@williamjoyce769]

I love YA POKEY!!! It is soo great to find one with such antediluvian sensibilities !! ❤❤❤❤

[@normaharrison6143]

They're like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life.

[@ajfleming21]

Jack White knows talent when he sees it. Pokey is quite the entertainer.

[@brettmontzingo]

Did Jack White find them?

[@ecliptiglyphx]

@@brettmontzingo He's signed to 3rd man records. That's Jacks' label.

[@coreyanderson7359]

@@ecliptiglyphx that makes total sense!

[@christophercarr4645]

one of the great gifts of life.....music

[@Fanofsrv]

74 people are completely lost in life....this is true talent and great classic music from the soul...great work pokey!

[@jennamcgregor10]

I wish I would have heard of this guy 4 years ago! Somehow just listening to his first album I thought he was from St. Louis (mentioning the river all the time helped), and his music reminds me of humid summers in Missouri.

[@megandeclercq2592]

The three guys are from St. Louis. Pokey is from Central illinois.

[@Thinlizzie83]

One of my favorite performers. Pokey and his band are amazing live.

[@FurrRealism]

Oh my god you captured the America I was raised in...I could smell the place...the hint of wood, courage, reality, and home...you sharpened the feel of memories I treasured.

[@MrGail52]

Great sound, a little taste of blues , Texas swing, maybe a touch of Django Reinhardt too. Thank you Pokey and 3

[@AAEDigitalFilm]

DIG IT! This guy has all the nuances of this era of music, brilliant! The band is super!

[@cloeg.6531]

This sounds amazing! (and the bass player looks adorable)

[@mymudroom]

I just can't stop watching this. Just makes me happy.

[@reddevil211287]

Pokey always manages to put a smile on my face!

[@luckydog-287]

Great phrasing, great writing! La la la!

[@davidconnellchicago]

What a great band. What a great old timey sound. The blues song in the style of Big Bill Broonzy and the other tunes remind me of the Memphis Jug Band. The acoustic guitar ragtime style, played in a real fun, but tight, style. Great Stuff! And good musicians.

[@weeweelegs]

I'm so happy, singing la la la, wonderful

[@oldcountry55]

I feel like I'm looking out an open boxcar door watching the country go by.

[@rudewayz1413]

Y E P P E R S 😄

[@farshimelt]

I first discovered Pokey LaFarge on late night TV in Thailand. They played a half dozen of his videos. Great stuff.

[@nickschaeffler2494]

Thank goodness for these guys who are bringing back the great days of music. not to mention there from home town STL!

[@chriswinslow6843]

"La La Blues" - what a great version!

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

I love that washboard.

[@cheriesomerville7516]

Had the pleasure of seeing these guys for the first time at the 2018 Tucson Folk festival, what fun!

[@loreleipetry3821]

These guys are perfect ---they make me sooo happy!

[@steveshowse]

I am completely blown out of the water with these guys. Found out about them an hour ago and I think I have scoured everything on the tube twice :)

[@MrTravisBickleJnr]

I absolutely love this. What a great bunch and how cool is the washboard/Harp player. Oozing talent all of them.

[@kyzorsosay9938]

I would say these boys have 10,000 hours practice at their craft,damn if they don't miss a note.

[@shiparmada4460]

Just found this artist this year - he does not look like he has that voice! Incredible!

[@pattipie12]

I am so happy to have discovered these guys exist. So fun! Great music. Play on guys; you're causing smiles to happen :-)

[@samfrito]

Have to hand to the guys who have this totally infectious sound going. They perform like nobodies business and look like they're having a great time doing it. Man, to be among this audience and be smiling ear to ear.

[@mhattenbach47]

They are wonderful! Watch, they will be on PBS!!! They are great!!!

[@grahammcnamara4803]

great stuff! i really enjoyed 'head to toe' with the washboard too. so glad i recently discovered this very talented band. excellent.

[@paulgrimm6850]

Great simplistic music

[@michaelelliott1212]

One of my favorite Tiny Desk Concerts. Jackson Browne has a great one as well.

[@raven7813]

It's 2020 and I still love these guys ❤️

[@RhythmJunkie]

They always put on an amazing performance, all top notch musicians!

[@kathyoliver3389]

I recently saw them at the Savannah Music Festival '14 and I am hooked!

[@marcocasali4556]

wow fantastici! Grazie

[@lillyandruben]

brilliant and refreshing