John Holiday: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga | October 15, 2024
Upon meeting countertenor John Holiday in the NPR lobby, I was immediately tasked with carrying his awesome spangly boots (he brought two pairs) up to our Tiny Desk space. Other arms, including his husband’s, were occupied with clothing and various necessities.

The boots reflect Holiday’s sparkling personality — a captivating blend of determination, wit and clear-eyed optimism. These qualities helped propel him into celebrity status, not only in the final rounds of NBC’s The Voice, where he was championed by John Legend, but also in opera houses the world over.

While Holiday has made a name for himself in classical music, he says his goal is to be a bridge between the many genres of music he sings. And in this set he gives us a pretty wide range, including an elegant, Bach-inflected French art song, a regal opera aria by Handel, a moving traditional spiritual and the devastating jazz song “Strange Fruit,” made famous by Billie Holiday. “It’s not a feel good song,” the countertenor warns, adding that it “represents so much in our country’s history that sometimes we like to skirt.”

The only way to follow a song of such darkness is with one of light and triumph. Holiday dedicates “Lift Every Voice and Sing” to young, Black voters, saying, “It’s really important that you let your voices be heard, even if you think nobody’s listening.”

And for fans of fabulous voices, it’s important that this voice be heard — the singular, silvery and expressive voice of John Holiday.

SET LIST
Reynaldo Hahn: “À Chloris”
Traditional (arr. Hall Johnson): “I’m Goin’ to Tell God All My Troubles”
George Frideric Handel: “Ombra mai fù” (from Xerxes)
Abel Meeropol: “Strange Fruit”
James Johnson/J. Rosamond Johnson: “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

MUSICIANS
John Holiday: countertenor, piano
Jeanne-Minette Cilliers: piano

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Tom Huizenga
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Technical Director: Hannah Gluvna
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Alanté Serene
Audio Engineers: Andie Huether, Josh Newell
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Alanté Serene
Tiny Desk Team: Maia Stern, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins

#nprmusic #tinydesk #johnholiday

[rini]

That’s my middle school choir director yall! Words can’t explain the love I have for Mr. Holiday 💜

[thetrillcollector]

Being able to see your brother perform a Tiny Desk is something words cannot express. Very proud of you!💪🏾💪🏾

[KeenanBrown-ybsd]

From the fort bend boys choir, to operas, the voice, and now the tiny desk. Im beyond proud of my big brother and all the adversity he’s overcome being a BLACK countertenor in this industry. You’re doing amazing and I’m glad those long nights rehearsing that used to annoy me as a kid have continued to pay off 🤣. Love you big brother 🤞🏾

[BellaStrangeMUA]

I’ve been following his career ( especially opera) and I can say he’s a once in a billion lifetimes voice and artist.

[ivorywelcome]

I haven’t talked to him personally in years, but John is an amazing person on top of an angelic voice. Gives me chills!

[kathrynaaron]

Flawless technique, gorgeous sound- countertenors take note- novelty is not enough. Yes, this an amazing young man but the reason he sounds the way he does is years and years of hard work. Been watching his career for years and eager to see where he goes next. John Holiday shows with every breath why classical music is important (especially Gospel and Jazz music being recognized as such). So brilliant, so beautiful!!! Thank you, John.

[nikkihamilton-moore]

My God, My God…I have awaken to an ANGELIC voice…soothing to my ears and calming way to start this day! Thank you NPR this. Have a blessed day!

[thylaswing]

The clarity in his voice is amazing. Thanks NPR for not adding anything but minimal (zero?) reverb. It gives John’s voice such an intimate presence that it sounds like he is performing right here in my own lounge room!

[jeanwestcott]

The space given by the pianist to let his voice soar and dance while also creating the grounding melody is wonderful. Thank you all involved in this gift!

[DoctorJoanieTool]

Absolutely amazing!!!! I am forever grateful and amazed that NPR and PBS bring the world so much brilliant and inspiring and varied music of any and all genres - and they do it as a public good, a gift to all of us. We have to support continued public funding for these amazing organizations and also contribute personally, whenever we can. It’s hard to even describe or quantify how much these public services bring to all of us.

** I love what John has to say/explain to us about these pieces and what they mean - literally and figuratively. Strange Fruit - haunting and soul piercing. And what perfection to end with Lift Every Voice … as we DO lift every voice and sing TOGETHER … and VOTE, VOTE and make our voices heard as we sing until our voices are heard and victory is won. For every single one of us.

What a PHENOMENAL Tiny Desk performance.

Thank you @NPR and @PBS. Thank you, John Holiday !

☮️🎵🌎

[Patreaseful]

Omg! Wasn't expecting this.... Not sure or heard of this artist...But my God... This is a treat. Thank you NPR

[dannyvelado]

That’s my Professor!!! He’s awesome!! ❤️☺️

[shaprice]

I had to play as soon as I saw John Holiday 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰!! So talented !!!

[ReneeG-]

His voice is that of an angle!! WOW!! Thanks NPR for the tiny desk concerts!

[dejaih]

Omg love John 😊❤ I met him during my internship in college and then watched him later go on the Voice. He’s had such a fun career so far!

[ccashmier]

My daughter and I listened as I drove her to school this morning. She is in the Chorus at Seminole HS. Thank you John from Seminole, Florida.

[JoshOMusic]

I've been so impressed by his talents since the voice. Certainly a welcome surprise to see him on Tiny Desk!

[Iamriorio]

Please don’t get in this comment section being divisive and bringing down this artist to uplift another. It’s counterproductive and nasty. Trust in Gods timing that the artist you wish to see will get their opportunity. But please if you have nothing nice to say; move along or write an email to NPR. Don’t disparage this man. He hasn’t done anything wrong.

[misstee]

Cool breeze, warm tea, cultured music, AlleluYah 🙏🏾 Enjoy your new day ppl. Rise & Shine! ❤️🖤💚

[marilynhaverly]

What a powerful program! And a voice to match! Thank you.