Usher Serenades NPR On His First ‘Tiny Desk’ Concert

Performing a run of classics, Usher was joined by R&B vocalists Vedo and Eric Bellinger while performing his first NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

Usher is back and smoother than ever on his first NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The legendary R&B vocalist was joined by a full band along with singers Vedo and Eric Bellinger, both who have written songs for Usher.

Ush performed a selection of his classics including “Nice & Slow,” “Superstar,” “Confessions Part II,” “You Don’t Have to Call” and “My Way,” opening his set with his 1997 hit “You Make Me Wanna.” The song comes from his sophomore album My Way, which turns 25 in September.

“Celebrating Black Music Month, this is Black magic right here,” Ush said during the performance. “I really, really am happy to celebrate all of the years of music and really celebrate my brothers. I’m really happy to be able to share. I think that if life has taught us anything, it is that we should share with each other. Not just the music, but understanding that life is a collaborative process and being able to lift each other up, stand with each other. That’s all it’s really about.”

The performance concluded NPR’s Black Music Month showcase, which featured FKA Twigs, Monica, Larry June, and more.

“We will publish eleven performances representing the past, present, and future of Black music. This is the first time each of the eleven acts will play the Tiny Desk,” said Tiny Desk series producer Bobby Carter. He added, “The Tiny Desk has become a go-to source to witness Black artists express themselves in ways we’ve never seen. This month of carefully curated shows reinforces how uniquely the Tiny Desk showcases Black music.”