Gregory Porter: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

July 18, 2016 by BOB BOILEN • Gregory Porter's healing soul music sends a message of compassion, and he's got a baritone voice that resonates love. When Porter visited NPR, we'd just learned that our colleague, photojournalist David Gilkey, had been killed while working on a story for NPR in Afghanistan. When Porter began singing the calmly beautiful "No Love Dying," he may not have known how much it would mean to us. Yet this song of compassion and hope, from his Grammy-winning 2013 album Liquid Spirit, was just what we'd needed.

Porter and pianist Chip Crawford continued their thoughtful, entrancing set with "Take Me To The Alley" (the title track to Porter's new album), a song about how we treat and think about those who live on society's margins. Closing this Tiny Desk concert is "Don't Be A Fool," another new song of love, loyalty and trust. For us, Porter's set provided a timely reminder that we can all use comfort, counsel and guidance — and that music can be serious and heartwarming without losing its sense of wonder and delight.

Take Me To The Alley is available now:

Set List:
"No Love Dying"
"Take Me To The Alley"
"Don't Be A Fool"

Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Nick Michael; Production Assistant: Marissa Lorusso; Photo: Bob Boilen/NPR.

[KarenKessler-rb]

Who’s listening in 2025? Immersing in the lush music of Gregory Porter!! So thankful!! ❤❤

[brianfarrelly]

6 years later and I'm still listening to one of my favourite NPR tiny desks. I much prefer to listening him live than on disc.

[williedynamyte]

This man could sing the phone book and I would still love it.

[chasetompkins]

The joy on his face. It's just like... like, he knows something we don't

[kennethmeyers]

The way the pianist looks at Greg while they are in tune, is priceless ❤️

[Reynhardtp]

I love Gregory Porter, but half the magic is that skills.

[uglybass]

Gregory Porter is great, but his pianist is absolutely amazing himself.

[winnieg]

😢😢I’m just happy to have lived in his time

[dhandy]

That pianist is a sweetheart. I love how he is listening. He just moves the tone right into his keys. Music transcends boundaries that people did not even realize they had. Magic.

[janicebourdage]

No words... So glad this man and his music are alive and well in this crazy world. <3

[henriettaparks]

THAT CHIP CRAWFORD IS BANANAS ON THE PIANO!!! GP IS ALWAYS FANTASTIC!!!

[normalcynormalcy]

This is so well-sung. And so well-accompanied. The pianist hardly takes his eyes off the singer. Impressive. Sublime.

[uwhotb]

This man gave me back the innocent and naive mind of my childhood that the harsh world took from me.
Crying with his voice and the tenderness in his style.

[benschebella]

the way his pianist is sort of singing with him with his eyes is great. good backup muso

[CurlyCamille]

So.... this makes me remember this gravel road that I took as a kid to get to my grandfathers house. When my grandfather would park in his garage I could smell the mixture of gravel and gasoline and it was amazing. This mans voice is like gravel, gasoline and grandpa. My safety.

[koketsomakhele]

How in the world did I not see Gregory Porters Tiny Desk till now???

[HighVibe]

This is spiritual music. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and listen. Healing will begin...

[fantastical]

NPR I want to thank you from the bottom of heart for introducing me to so many talented artist who continue to create meaningful music. i usually don't comment on videos nevertheless here i am.

[SonofSamhein]

Mr. Gregory Porter:

...A fine, smooth cognac, for the ears.

Respect, and Love.

[nicolasderuiter]

That piano player is just crushing it in the backdrop with his perfect and tranquil chords