Charlie Wilson: Tiny Desk Concert

NPR Music is celebrating Black Music Month with an array of brand new Tiny Desk concerts. Together, these artists represent the past, present and future of Black music. This month of carefully curated shows is a celebration of Black artists expressing themselves in ways we've never seen before, and of the Tiny Desk's unique way of showcasing that talent.

Bobby Carter | June 5, 2023
Charlie Wilson's Tiny Desk unexpectedly ran the gamut of emotions. His musical journey boasts some of the highest highs and fanfare for over 50 years. So much so, it's easy to forget what he's endured. His testimonial during a praise break reminded us that he's climbed through valleys about as deep as they get. "I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homeless," he said. "Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict! But I'm 28 years clean and sober!"

Flanked by a host of musicians, Wilson expressed the depth and breadth of his life and career, telling a tale of two Charlies. The Oklahoma native's success with The Gap Band, formed with his brothers Robert and Ronnie, began in the 1970s and stretched throughout the '80s. The group's many hits are classified as old-school funk and R&B, but it's the resurrection and connection with young hip-hop stars that make Charlie's story so compelling to me.

Snoop Dogg was the first to hop on board, coining him "Uncle Charlie" and featuring him on his second LP, Tha Doggfather in 1996. They've been frequent collaborators since, eventually landing the smash, "Beautiful," a few years later. From Kanye West to Tyler, The Creator, Nas, and more recently Don Toliver and Devin Morrison, Wilson has been hip-hop's secret sauce for decades. When I asked Uncle Charlie to explain the reason why he's such a draw in hip-hop, he said so much by simply stating: "I can sang!"

SET LIST
"Charlie, Last Name Wilson"
"Computer Love"
"There Goes My Baby"
"I'm Blessed"
"Yearning For Your Love"
"Sweet Yamz"
"Outstanding"

MUSICIANS
Charlie Wilson: vocals
Jor'el Quinn: vocals
Leah Thompson: vocals
Gia Wyre: vocals
Dodie: vocals
Angel Hines: vocals
Cordell Walton: keys, music director
Rain Man: drums
Alex Williams: guitar
Stephen Johnson: keys
Lawrence Washington: keys, bass
EQ: bass
Nick Wilczynski: saxophone

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, Alanté Serene
Audio Assistant: Hannah Gluvna
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#tinydesk #nprmusic #charliewilson

[nprmusic]

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[ambyrblack]

That sax player understood the assignment! 👏🏽👏🏽 Uncle Charlie is just great.

[ross]

Currently dealing with alcohol abuse I just ask that y’all pray for me whoever comes back to this video and see this comment preciate y’all

[OnlyScience]

Whoever came up with the idea of Tiny Desk is a GENIUS and the show never fails!

[Mommyxlittlebears]

Just wanted to give Uncle Charlie his flowers. He is the staple of cookouts, wedding's, easy listening and Saturday morning cleanings. We appreciate you, we love you ❤❤❤

[mikky.ast]

Let’s give this man his flowers right now, today, and forever! This man has given so much to the culture and we’re all grateful to witness such a legend of our lifetime!! We love you Uncle Charlie 🥰

[XxQueenChristinaxX]

His voice is so distinct. You always know it’s him singing.

[portiamatthews]

Yearning for your love was released in 1980, 44 years ago and still sounds amazing.

[HipHopCultureJudge]

That white boy killed that saxophone on Computer Love!! 🔥🔥

[kyvaughnrome]

This man has entertained you, yo mama, yo grandma, and her mama. And the voice still holds. This man needs the whole rose garden.

[justshalicious]

The Saxophonist was blowing his face off 👍🏾 Mista Charlie still sounds phenomenal. I also Loved him in The Gap Band group 🔥

[xthahomiegaming]

This man just causally took us to Church 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[sywillis]

Background singers are on SERIOUS POINT! A whole vibe on their own!🙌🏾🙌🏾

[beheliteater]

Everyone was on point, uncle Charlie is one of the all time greats. Sax man was killing it 😭😭😭

[prettysimplemusic]

Gospel artists come on Tiny Desk and sound like secular artists without any churchy vibes... and Charlie unashamed gave us the best RnB vibes and took us to CHURCH!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[mariahJanae]

Gotdamn those background singers holding it down

[ricardolittles]

Classic R&B singers will never go out of style. Uncle Charlie is the truth!🙌🏾

[winterwalker]

They've been hitting it out of the park with these tiny desks lately.

[brandonrice]

My boy on the sax was vibing crazy during Outstanding 😭🙏🏾

[samharper]

That saxophone player is handling business grown folks music