Tasha Cobbs Leonard: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
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Published 2019-07-01
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June 24, 2019 | Suraya Mohamed -- I first saw Tasha Cobbs Leonard sing live in my church's 4,000-seat sanctuary. Her voice easily powered-over the PA system and I was amazed by how well I could hear its beautiful resonance and clarity. Since my producer hat is always on, I couldn't wait to invite her to perform here at the desk. Months later, sitting just a few feet away, I was captivated by the un-amplified brilliance that filled the room.
While her impeccable talent is one of the reasons Tasha Cobbs Leonard is regarded as one of the best gospel singers performing today — she's won numerous awards, including a Grammy — on her website she simply credits "God's grace as the reason for it all."
Her Tiny Desk set started out with one of her favorite songs and her most popular tune, "Break Every Chain," an anthem that reminds many of us that "there is power in the name of Jesus."
Her second song, "You Know My Name," is one Cobbs Leonard wrote a few years ago with South African musician and friend, Brenton Brown. Before beginning she explained that "the song talks about how God knows you outside of what anybody else has called you. Sometimes people will try and speak things over you that God did not design for your life; and no matter what they've said about you, He knows who He called you to be and what your purpose is on Earth." The message was so powerful, many in the audience were moved to tears.
The performance ended with a country-influenced tune, "The River of the Lord," written by her husband, musical director and producer, Kenneth Leonard, along with some of their friends. Originally from Jesup, Georgia, Cobbs Leonard explained that "where I'm from, this is called a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, church song. We're going to clap a little bit, put a smile on our faces and celebrate the river and the joy of the Lord."
SET LIST
Break Every Chain
You Know My Name
The River of the Lord
MUSICIANS
Tasha Cobbs Leonard: lead vocals; Kennya Miller: vocals; Breona Lawrence: vocals; Emoni Robinson: vocals; Archie "Snoop" Pearson: bass; Wellington "Boo" Britt: drums; Benjamin Forehand: guitar; David Williams II: keys
CREDITS
Producers: Suraya Mohamed, Morgan Noelle Smith ; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Maia Stern, Bronson Arcuri; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Paul Georgoulis; Photo: Shuran Huang/NPR
All Comments (20)
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I really appreciate that you all featured a gospel powerhouse like Tasha Cobbs on Tiny Desk. How awesome!!!!
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Imagine all the people who aren’t Jesus followers but see this because it’s TinyDesk and need to hear it!
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They used to play Break Every Chain every sunday at the salvation army I went to. I have 3.5 years clean today and a beautiful 2 year old son. God is SO good, ALL THE TIME. this song moves me and fills me with divine strength of the holy spirit
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To all the people say “I’m not religious/Christian, but I love this song” 😭 I’m happy for yall. That’s the LORD, baby. Let him touch your heart. In the end we will ALL sing How great is our God🙏🏾.
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I'm not a Christian but this snatched my wig like nobody's business
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NPR for REAALL? What yall know about TASHA? wow, I'm impressed
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as someone who is not religious, this is purely fantastic music not to mention the sheer power and control she has over her voice is absolutely flawless. incredible!
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I’m Muslim yet gospel will always be one of my favourite genres 😂😂😂
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Brave choice NPR! Great selection, good to see how open minded and welcoming you are to so many genres. ✊🏾
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Yessss! I’ve been waiting for a gospel artist! Jonathan McReynolds NEXT 🙌🏽!
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When you go a while without listening to Tasha, then you do, and you realize your spirit is just dehydrated 😭😭😭
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Gospel singers are some of the best talent in the music industry.
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I'm an atheist, but good music is always worth the listen.
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Whaaaat?!!! Oh okay NPR! I see you. I love how Tasha doesn't shy away from giving God glory on any platform. 🙌🏾🙌🏾
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i love seeing all the comments regarding how their belief may be different, but they love and respect the artist and her songs. God loves all HIs children, whether they acknowledge Him or not, that is what makes our Creator so wonderful. I pray this is the seed that gets planted for many, thanks NPR and Tasha!
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In a world that strives so hard not to offend, but at the same time to maintain 'political' correctness, it is great to lift up the name of Jesus and not be ashamed to give praise to what is most important in this age. AMEN!
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One day ill be in heaven on my knees praising God for eternity. It will be so much fun.
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Oh My Lawwwd! NPR = Never Predict Radio!!! Somebody is DEFINITELY saved up in their headquarters!!!! 🙏🤣💯💪❤️🔥
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Tasha + Tiny Desk Concert =A combo I didn't know I needed 💓
