Pokey LaFarge: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@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.

[@MusicByTheMoon]

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

[@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

[@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!)

[@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

[@Dulcimerea]

New Pokey LaFarge fan, now to forever.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jlepich8319]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@ItsBenbetter]

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

[@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!

[@TigerKing77]

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

[@Mr91495osh]

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

[@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 !

[@Latino_scholar]

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

[@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!

[@melanieelliott8417]

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

[@sashapentovmusic]

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

[@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

[@Montanagoat13]

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

[@horrorkid1970s]

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

[@garyrobert9085]

I see what you did there. haha

[@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.

[@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.

[@eastwoodcaitlin]

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

[@Scitzo987]

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

[@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...

[@rosskelly597]

Pokeys voice is amazing!! great music!

[@Fanofsrv]

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

[@charliebadger]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@violette743]

JUST LOVE HIS MUSIC IT IS ALIVE

[@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!

[@keiths4491]

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

[@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.

[@Angeldrinksbeer00]

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

[@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 💖

[@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

[@chocothemagnificent1019]

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

[@Catsaresilly-v5c]

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

[@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.

[@loreleipetry3821]

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

[@shawncondon8262]

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

[@idebiduadeau9719]

Me tooI

[@bruceallen2862]

Me2. J Bruce.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FreddoX1]

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

[@ceesvanderwoude]

He’s all AMERICA needs right now

[@shaynenbock3473]

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

[@sarahcarr7021]

Loving this sound. Timeless.

[@lbowsk]

Wow. These guys are great. Love NRP TDCs!!!!!

[@williamjoyce769]

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

[@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.

[@AAEDigitalFilm]

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

[@Thinlizzie83]

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

[@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!

[@notcommon1552]

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

[@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 :)

[@grecco_buckliano]

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

[@MeggyMs]

They rock!!!Oh man, I found these guys 2 weeks ago and I bought all of their songs :~~ They're truly unique, no one nowadays make songs the way they do. I wish they had more views and people recognize them better. They are amazing, really good stuff. And everytime I see this video, I imagine myself kissing Pokey, hahaha, he's awesome, I'd simply marry him, if I could. Lots of love from Brazil

[@ncornn]

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

[@melanieelliott8417]

Me too!

[@reddevil211287]

Pokey always manages to put a smile on my face!

[@mymudroom]

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

[@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.

[@nickschaeffler2494]

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

[@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

[@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 😄

[@pattipie12]

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

[@cheriesomerville7516]

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

[@christophercarr4645]

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

[@melissaballew4396]

Love em! Thanks for introducing me to them, NPR.

[@loreleipetry3821]

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

[@BidwellCanyonFarm]

Smashing good set boys! Really love the sound! Thanks.

[@farshimelt]

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

[@weeweelegs]

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

[@SandraLovesSun]

So good

[@paulgrimm6850]

Great simplistic music

[@granniechrissie]

Dig these guys!!! Harmonica player fabulous and singer's voice - wow! Grandma Chrissie

[@MsBeetroute]

Superb! One of the best things to come out of the US for a long time. Encore!

[@mhattenbach47]

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

[@renlessard]

This always makes me happy.

[@RhythmJunkie]

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

[@ryanwright6097]

Harmonica is perfection in this..omg amazing man!

[@grahammcnamara4803]

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

[@humanonearth1]

Absolutely remarkable. An incredible form.

[@luckydog-287]

Great phrasing, great writing! La la la!

[@theshadowsnose869]

Yep, buddy of mine turned me on to you guys, I owe him for that. Great stuff, can't get enough of it.

[@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.

[@cloeg.6531]

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

[@theultimadragon]

One of the most amazing live acts I've ever seen, this video does not do them justice, they are fucking magical. So cool, so much style.

[@vaclavslajch9879]

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

[@kpcompaan]

just saw these guys tonight in Atlanta. AMAZING! So much fun! Tons of respect to these guys!

[@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.

[@apelsinljuice]

Omg, this was absolutely amazing! really great songwriting and they're stunning musicians too!

[@PinkAmadeus]

It's like going back in time. Thanks for the trip!

[@BackAlleyPrepRally1]

once again, thank you tiny desk