Many a fan has questioned the vocal abilities of Atlanta’s R&B king, Usher Raymond. Over the last few years especially, he’s had to take comparisons from artists with much less experience, range, and let’s face it, dancing ability.
But Usher put all that to rest with the recent release of his Tiny Desk performance on NPR. Singing several of his hits in a small library, the team at NPR was able to get the best out of the “Superstar” singer.
NPR made sure to roll out the red carpet for Usher and his team, showcasing him as the climax to an entire month of black music.
Here Are The Songs Usher Sung On NPR’s Tiny Desk
SET LIST
- “You Make Me Wanna…”
- “Superstar”
- “U Don’t Have to Call”
- “Nice & Slow”
- “Confessions Part II”
- “My Way”
MUSICIANS
- Usher: vocals
- Eric Bellinger: vocals
- Vedo: vocals
- Dmitry Gorodetsky: bass
- Lemar Guillary: trombone
- Brandyn Phillips: trumpet
- Jay Flat: saxophone
- Darek Cobbs: keys
- Erick Walls: guitar
- Ryan Carr: drums
Usher looked like he enjoyed the mini-concert as much as the fans, often grinning while hitting his sweet falsetto notes.
On social media, fans were shocked to be reconnected to many of the lyrics they had evidently grown up listening to.
And as for a Verzuz contest, fans were quick to point out that Usher would do away with the competition.
NPR has been doing Tiny Desk concerts since 2008, but they have recently exploded in popularity thanks to the platform releasing new episodes of the video series.
Watch Usher’s Tiny Desk Performance
Usher’s concert is not the first time an Atlanta artist did his thing on NPR. If you remember, Big Boi from Outkast also rocked out on his Tiny Desk performance.
Final Word
Atlanta is the home of a lot of great music and great artists. From the So So Def roster to the R&B empire built by Laface, good music has long been a hallmark of the ATL.