There’s some pretty iconic stages around the world to signify an artist has truly made it: Madison Square Garden in New York, the O2 in London, the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, and, of course, the Tiny Desk hosted by NPR Music in Washington, D.C.
NPR kicked off their Tiny Desk Concerts back in 2008 after NPR music editor Stephen Thompson left South by Southwest frustrated that they couldn’t hear the music over the crowd noise. Since then, NPR has brought hundreds of artists to the smallest stage to truly hear the music.
Rappers, indie singer-songwriters, pop artists and more have graced the tiny desk stage, including some of our favorite Christian and worship artists. Here’s seven of the most faith-filled Tiny Desk concerts:
7. Charlie Wilson
Charlie Wilson started preaching on Tiny Desk. Tuned up with key change and a war cry! CHURCHY! pic.twitter.com/wKoRv58Vr3
— Kevín (@KevOnStage) June 5, 2023
Hear us out. Wilson, aka “Uncle Charlie” from the Gap Band, took the NPR office to church with his Tiny Desk concert. He performed intimate renditions of his hits “Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” “Computer Love” and “Yearning For Your Love.” But he took the concert to a new level following his performance of “I’m Blessed,” when he began sharing his powerful testimony.
“I went from rags to riches, riches to rags, then rags to the curb, the curb to homeless,” he preached. “Because I was an alcoholic and a crack cocaine addict. But I’m 28 years clean and sober! ‘Cause I found something greater than myself. He picked me up and turned me around and place my feet up on some solid ground.”
6. nobigdyl.
Earlier this year, indie Christian rapper nobigdyl. won the first-ever Tiny Desk Contest Fan Favorite Vote. While it wasn’t a full Tiny Desk performance, the rapper did post his performance of “Go With Ghost,” which was not only a fan favorite but also one of the judge’s favorites. Tiny Desk judge Durand Bernarr said “Go With The Ghost” was one of his favorite entries this year, enjoying “the groove and catchiness” of the song, while Tiny Desk series producer and host Bobby Carter complimented nobigdyl. on this complex and deep lyrics.
5. Tasha Cobbs Leonard
The gospel singer stopped by the small stage in the summer of 2019. Tasha Cobbs Leonard is regarded as one of the best gospel singers performing today, and for good reason. It’s not just because of the won numerous awards she’s won, including a Grammy. It’s because she’s truly got the voice of an angel. Let her lead you in worship as she sings “Break Every Chain, “You Know My Name” and “The River of the Lord.”
4. Kirk Franklin
Even when the world stopped, NPR’s Tiny Desk kept going, although it looked a bit different. NPR asked guests to record videos of themselves in their homes, which meant more and more artists were able to elevate their performances. And Kirk Franklin’s Tiny Desk concert is the perfect example of that. Complete with a dozen additional singers and band members, Franklin takes audiences to church with “Love Theory,” “Silver and Gold,” “Melodies From Heaven” and “I Smile.”
3. Amy Grant
The forever queen of CCM music has, of course, graced the Tiny Desk stage. Amy Grant brought some Christmas cheer to NPR back in 2018. After all, is it really Christmas if you don’t put on an Amy Grant Christmas album at least once? While the holiday season has already passed, it’s never a bad time to listen to “To Be Together,” “Tennessee Christmas” or “Jingle Bells.”
2. Tobe Nwigwe
Rappers are few and far between on Tiny Desk, but when they do appear it’s always memorable. Such is the case for Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe. While his music isn’t categorized as Christian, it’s hard to listen to his music and not sense his faith in it. Nwigwe brought his wife, Fat, and their then-seven week old daughter to perform “Houston Tribute,” “Caged Birds,” “Against the Grain,” “Shine” and “I’m Dope.”
1. Maverick City Music
In what is possibly the most amount of people to ever grace the Tiny Desk stage, Maverick City Music stopped by the studio to take everyone to church. The worship collective even brought out Kirk Franklin for a surprise guest performance. Mav City blessed everyone with a worship set to remember singing “Man of Your Word,” “Million Little Miracles,” “Jireh” and “Kingdom.”
