Watch Tasha Cobbs Leonard play "Break Every Chain", "You Know My Name" and "The River of the Lord" at the Tiny Desk.
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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
Yessss! I’ve been waiting for a gospel artist! Jonathan McReynolds NEXT 🙌🏽!
lyssliss yes plzzzzzzzzzzzz !!!
Jonathan McReynolds would be INCREDIBLE!!!! BRING HIM NPR!
Yessssssss he’s perfect for this environment also
Yes. He would be perfect for a platform such as this.
yes jonathan would be perfect!!!
Brave choice NPR! Great selection, good to see how open minded and welcoming you are to so many genres. ✊🏾
whats so brave about it
@@johnnyof091 I think he said that because your everyday person isn't too fond of gospel music. When you think about it, it is kinda crazy that gospel music is considered a "brave" choice, but it makes perfect sense.
@@johnnyof091 Then again, I'm not familiar with a lot of Gospel music but I immediately recognized the first song, so idk how "brave" this was.
@96NickBeats said it perfectly!
People don’t want to be affiliated with certain things cause of how people look at those things, but NPR looks only to how talented and good people are at what they do, and I respect that!
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
At my SA too, powerful. Sober 19yrs One Day at a Time , God has given me a GREAT Gift. God bless you in your new life nothing like it.💓
Bethany Jedd to God be the Glory for working in your life! May he continue to bless you so abundantly my friend 🙌🏿🙌🏿
Awesome!
Praise God!
What a beautiful Testimony of God Goodness in your life!! Thank you for Sharing to the world just how Awesome our God Really IS!!! 🙏🙏🙌😍
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🙏🏾.
I have lost my faith in Jesus Christ but I have never stop to listen Gospel music!
@@serenamaweteI hope you find your way back to Jesus. He is waiting for you. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is God in the flesh. P.S. I will be praying for you.
NPR for REAALL? What yall know about TASHA? wow, I'm impressed
girl you and me both ! that came up on my Instagram & I was like "hunh?! ... YES!"
RIGHT! Got me shocked
Literally every Christians response lol
Same 😂😂 couldn't believe it
Right ?! Lol
Imagine all the people who aren’t Jesus followers but see this because it’s TinyDesk and need to hear it!
Come on! Amen!
Glory Glory !!!!
Wont he do it
It is just some great singing. I am not gonna take on religion.
@@jpat989 anointed singing
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!
For real, I’m an atheist and it still gives me chills to hear the way she sings. Check out Common’s song Little Chicago Boy to hear more of her singing! That song is SO good! First place I heard her.
You are feeling the love God has for you bro. Deeply loved.
Oh yeah she’s an incredible singer, type her name in the search bar and have fun with AAAALLLL the amazing performances she has online. I cry every time I hear her sing!
I’m Muslim yet gospel will always be one of my favourite genres 😂😂😂
Mazin Mo that’s really cool
Adrian Hayes yes!!! come home. You are loved and received.
@Adrian Hayes gospel music may not save you, but it's certainly a tool the Holy Spirit uses to get our attention, especially when the message aligns with scripture. Gospel music is the message or gospel in song. Melodies from heaven, by Kirk Franklin, being played on an R&B station, pulled me back in the church 22 yrs ago. I re-dedicated my life to Jesus. David, a psalmist, played the harp to release King Solomon from evil spirits.
Same here. God is universal, and the most beautiful and powerful thing about God is it doesn't matter how we call out to him, the energy of connecting to him can be felt by everyone, everywhere.
God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. God has a son named Jesus that's still alive. Any other god is false.
I really appreciate that you all featured a gospel powerhouse like Tasha Cobbs on Tiny Desk. How awesome!!!!
powerhouse indeed! great to hear her raw voice
Whaaaat?!!! Oh okay NPR! I see you. I love how Tasha doesn't shy away from giving God glory on any platform. 🙌🏾🙌🏾
Amber Hanzy 💯 agree
Exactly I believe every platform u get should be used to glorify the name of our Lord Jesus christ
Gospel singers are some of the best talent in the music industry.
Vando F. The absolute.. best. Black gospel singers that is...
T M BIG FACTS
I triple million support that
Vando F. Facts!
Gospel singers are actually “singers” and not just people who use their image for popularity and technology to create their music
Tasha + Tiny Desk Concert =A combo I didn't know I needed 💓
Yebo.
Facts!
I'm not a Christian but this snatched my wig like nobody's business
Adrian Gomez sis! I am Christian after hearing this. Wooo child!!!!!!!!
Lmao
LOL Chiile
😆😆👐🏽👐🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💙💙💪🏽💪🏽🎉🎉🎉
Which wig? 😜😅
Oh My Lawwwd! NPR = Never Predict Radio!!! Somebody is DEFINITELY saved up in their headquarters!!!! 🙏🤣💯💪❤️🔥
PrettySimpleMusic Or it could just be they have a general, all-encompassing appreciation for music?!
Purvis Cornish Your nice way to diminish the possibility of someone at NPR having a spiritual attachment to Christianity 🤣😂🤣😂
Purvis Cornish Well....read the description....Tasha came to HER church...
Amen! Love y'alls channel by the way.
Tiffany Onwudinanti wow! Thanks so much and I’m honored to provide educational music for your musical journey! ❤️🙏💯
When you go a while without listening to Tasha, then you do, and you realize your spirit is just dehydrated 😭😭😭
🙌🏽🙏🏿
Basically
Facts!!!
Oh my!!!! You just spoke the word!!!
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!
Agreed
Amen
I get you, but God doesn’t love everyone. The Bible doesn’t teach us that. If he does love everyone, why did he destroy the entire world with a worldwide flood with the exception of eight people? The Old Testament and The New Testament both clearly document God doesn’t love everyone. The Bible says of God (Romans 9:13): “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” P.S. God’s children are only the people that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. If they haven’t done so, they are not God’s children.
Hey Tiny Desk, Could you invite The Walls Group? Love Tasha too!
YOOO they’d kill it with just the 4 of them and a keys player!!
OMGOSH YASSSSSSSS, & then RESOUND!!!!💯💯💯💯💯❤
@TheWallsGroup would be mindblowing at Tiny Desk!!!
YES!!! The Walls Group OMGGGG! I just watched them on Terrell show he gave them 2 episodes 🎤🎤AWESOME! VOCALS
@@shawndrab8310 [sidenote: I had to laugh... my BFF's name is DeShawn Burton LOL!]
One day ill be in heaven on my knees praising God for eternity. It will be so much fun.
Mactownization Amen !!
Amen!!!
I agree!!
Amen!!
C'mon background sangahs y'all did that😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌🙌
'You Know My Name' gets you if you ever been through something real. Every single time.
I can relate.
Danielle N Absolutely , i didnt see this coming 🙏😭✨
Whew Chile you said something then!!✨✨
🙌 When I hear it I can't even turn the dial. Gotta let it play out
For real!
I'm an atheist, but good music is always worth the listen.
Have a great day, friend 😊
I love people who are this level headed.
U cool af
God bless you!! And know that Jesus loves you regardless ok?💖
Just want to say it’s so great to read this , you’re amazing just how open you are dude made my day, I don’t know just wanted to tell ya that! Inspiring. Peace and blessings soul!
Y'all NEED to get THE WALLS GROUP!!! pleath pleath pleath
Sevvy T the Walls Group was just on Terrell’s Song Association and it was amazing.
Preach
I second this!!!
Ameeeeeeeeeeen
😂
I don't wanna take te whole arm after yall gave a finger....but... Next up, Tori Kelly, Walls Group, Jonathan Mcreynolds, Travis Greene, Sean C Johnson, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Butler? *edit: Who of yall know some nice Gospel artists I've been sleeping on?*
Right, I’m here for it!!!
I agree 100000000 with your selection
Exactly 😂
Don’t forget Tye Tribbett!!
@@brittneybenjamin6205 Had to stop the list somewhere...lol I don't think they're ready yet to turn this into the NPR tiny pulpit session :p. But just names some good for such an acoustic, more spontaneous, music session. But I mean... sure there are many other fit for it. Tye Tribbet, Jeremy Passion, Israel Houghton, Erica Campbel, Mali Music, Kirk Whalum, Mandisa, Take6 I could go on for days lol..
She is literally a walking sunshine 😍
NPR just knows really good music.. no matter what genre! 🙌🏾
This woman’s voice cuts deep into my soul and I’m not even Christian. It’s just so powerful.
Right!? She had such power in her voice. Jesus loves you, have a blessed day!
I’m praying you allow God’s love to come into your heart ❤️All He wants is to be close to you and let you know all that you are in His view. Let The love come in, it’s the best thing I ever did for myself
Oshun05 and for those around me! We truly effect the world with our every decision
@@jadarieann lol to assume this person doesn't "have God in their heart" because they aren't Christian, is probably why they choose not to associate with such labels.... you be bless, sweetie. Tasha sannnggnn❤
Just tugging on my heart strings! Tasha's voice stirs my soul 🙌🏽🥰
I wish I grew up listening to gospel music 😫but since I don’t have much knowledge in gospel music she will be the first I listen to and trust I’m going to put her songs on repeat✊🏾❤️
alms baasha try Travis greene as well. He’s so relatable and easy to listen to
Look up Jonathan McReynolds' video "Make Room" LIVE
check out the Walls Group too!
Shifting the atmosphere is a great worship song
Calledout Music is great as well♡
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!
I'm no believer, but I enjoyed this. Great artists and brave selection NPR!
Coolest comment ever 🙂
Dopest comment💜💜💜
Mark van Rheenen same here
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Jesus loves you
I sang break every chain like my life depended on it HALLELUYYEEERRRRRRRRR!!!!
And the colors of that coat are looking so good on you!! 👏👌👌
this is the brand : norblacknorwhite.com ! go see them ! it's a wonderful brand !
Yes! They did that on the jacket!
Bri Love I was just saying that outfit is so great on her
I thought the same!
I’m coming here for comfort today to help grieve the loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and the lives of the seven other wonderful people on the helicopter. This music heals my heart. Thank you to the performers for delivering such a powerful performance.
The background vocalist are flawless! I love this! Gospel geatness
black church choirs for the Win
They've been singing with her for a while.
When your finger wanna skip to the song you know, but your spirit says don't touch it. 💯 🙏
So true
This is my first time listening to Tiny Desk, I came here for Tasha. NPR blessing me.
Mary Carmen Davila May God feed you til you wont no more. Our God is an awesome God and an awesome God is He. Hallelujah!!!
Carol Jackson amen in Jesus Christ’s mighty name! Thank you sis!
Same!
Here at work crying at my desk. I needed to know today, more than anything, that He knows my name!! God bless you and your ministry.
ME TOO !!
Im crying at the gym now. God’s presence is amazingggg
Music transcends religions. It is truly the universal language.
My son got a chance to attend this one with his school tech department and this is absolutely beautiful 💙💙💙💙
Tiny Desk concerts already feel like a spiritual experience, now add praise to this mix and it feels like worshipping with a choir of angels
NPR, love your inclusion of gospel! Please someday have Trey McLaughlin and Sounds of Zamar. Beautiful arrangements and their sound is perfect for your setting.
Lorisa, Yes!!!! I absolutely love Trey and Zomar. I was going to suggest him as well.
Yes, Yes, yes, yes and did I forget to say yes!😂
OMG - definitely co-sign on this. Saw them live and they are so talented and creative. They would be awesome on Tiny Desk.
Yyyyyaaaaassssss 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Yes! I absolutely love their music.
As an atheist gotta say I still love gospel/inspirational music. Literally was the only thing getting me through some church services
Clayton Griffith hey man I feel you. I’m a believer and sometimes it was only the music that spoke to me.
I know what you mean
same here! and i'm christian lol
Just because your atheist doesn't mean you can't be spiritual 👍
@@michaelevans831 I don't identify as spiritual
Had to do a double take when I saw Tasha on NPR! Such a brave choice. Love this.
*I’m over here singing and praising God! NPR this was so refreshing and uplifting to bring on Tasha. Her band and BGV were amazing too! 🙌🏾💙*
The BGV on the left is my cousin Mi’chalea it’s so awesome to see her in her element and she’s for real with it truly anointed by God
@@wenonawhite9058what a beautiful gift she has! ❤ God bless you! ❤
Tasha Cobbs Leonard you are the very thing the world needs to hear to be healed every moment when we needed more life. SHE IS LIFE OVERFLOWING.
Our country needs prayer more than ever! “ Singing is praying twice!” Thanks for such beautiful, inspirational music! God bless all.👏🏻❤️🇺🇸
Her singing is immaculate! The joy of the Lord is our strength! He love and CARES for each one of us! Excellent!!✔👀
I have been blessed to attend a tasha Cobb Leonard concert, and god's words sung through is the most surreal feeling ever. Praise the Lord w/ this artist!!!!
A one sentence song that broke records & frees hearts.. that’s when you KNOW there is power in the name of Jesus☺️
Please bring Tori Kelly🙏🙏
YES
Yes
Along with Mateus Asato!!!
@@Sam-vl9sl 100%%%
YESSS
I'm in my cubicle at work, with my hands up lol. almost forgot where I was.
To all the thumbs down I’m speaking a word to touch your hearts because this makes my day. If you don’t like don’t comment or dislike because majority rules always not sometimes but always!! Hallelujah!!!!
Please get the walls group on here!! LOVE this series, the diversity is out of this world ❤
That girl can SANG! Thanks NPR for another great concert. Pleasantly surprised at a gospel artist.
I grew up in church, both of my parents used to preach, but I'm not too religious now as an adult, just a believer from afar I guess; however, hearing this was a nice and refreshing visit to my roots that I didn't know I needed
I enjoy reading comments God bless you all my brothers and sisters no matter where you are in life know that there's a greater power willing to welcome you in ...he's always with you in good or bad times know whatever you're going through your not alone!!! Amen
Wether you’re a believer or not, this music and those voices just get to you and touches your soul.
Aye. ‘Bout time we got some gospel up in here. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Those background vocals are on point. Yes ladies.
Yes they really are amazing and they add so much , the band is great too!
There's a pattern here in the comments of people being touches from all walks of life and positions of faith. This is a beautiful thing indeed.
Thank you “NPR” for blessing us with this beautiful gift from God named Tasha Cobb Leonard. PRAISE GOD!!!!! And those background singers, WOW!!!! Simply a BLESSING!!!🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️
A testament to the power of a beautiful voice. I'm not religious and I don't connect with the message of these songs, but I could happily listen to her sing all day long.
Dave Skey Food for though There was a man who hatred religious hypocrisy he took such a strong stand against it that the religious leaders killed him, his name was Jesus
Praying that you would give Jesus a chance to truly love you through a relationship with Him. He loves you already. You can receive it by opening up your heart. Don’t let the hells of life deter you from getting your greatest blessing ever, bc this one just leads to more and more. God sees the pain you have from your family and He says “let me heal it for you through my love... You are a world changer. I know the great plans I have in store for you. Trust in me”
Steven
When leader's voice came out at first time,my tears almost ran out to my face. Thanks for the touched worship.
I felt HIS PRESENCE...THANK YOU, JESUS!
🙏🏾💕
thankyou for loving me, Jesus.
Love how she can blend the sounds of gospel, country, and that undercurrent of bluesy soul.
Cuz they're all rooted in Black culture :-)
Gospel music is life changing.
Come Holy Spirit, speak to everyone who watches this!
I love all genre's of music, thanks to my mom. Im so greatful that there are musicians, writers, and collaborations, that in good or bad times, i will give a Hallelujah. Glory to His name🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 OneLove ❣️
NPR is unique, versatile, culturally diverse and just awesome. This is why I subscribed 😘😍💃🤓🤗❤. These sessions of different genres help more than you know. Keep it up!!!
Yessss ❤️❤️❤️
Very true
Nice comment....Aids my musical soul
YESSSSSS!!!!!! NPR TINY DESK! Got TASHA on here YESSSSS!!!!!! She is the 1ST GOSPEL Artist that I have ever seen on here. SANGGGGG!!!! & tak'em to church ⛪.
IS THIS REAL?? SO AWESOME! Thank you Tiny Desk!!
Praise the name of Jesus! 🔥🙌✨
Glory to God it's good to have Cristian people on Tiny Desk ❤❤❤💯
This is why I love NPR!!!! They are so DIVERSE!
New respect for Tasha after watching this. True worship is just flowing without the full band or backing tracks. Love these strip down versions.
Glory a gospel artist on NPR im so happy
Perfect start to a new month. Thank you tiny desk.
NPR !!!! You’ve always had great taste...THIS is phenomenal! My respect level rose 20 levels if that’s at all possible. I love and respect you guys!!!!
Wow. I must say that I'm super surprised. I never thought I'd see a gospel artist on Tiny Desk.
Damn NPR open to all. That's so crazy in todays culture.
There is a lot of cool people in this fuc...g world my friend. Let's find them...
Yessss Tasha, Worshippp. HALLELUJAH! All Glory Be To GOD AMEN!🙌
What a great start to my morning! Thank you for this! ❤️🙌🏽
Firat Christian artist on NPR and I AM LIVING FOR IT!!! Represent Tasha
I’m not sure that’s strictly true. Maybe the first openly Gospel artist. But definitely not the first Christian artist.
This is no attempt at proselytizing; this is just my experience. I was raised to believe in and follow Jesus, but as the years have passed I’ve found it increasingly difficult to remain connected to the faith tradition(s) I was brought up in. For a long time now I’ve lived in a world where it seems like the majority of people who claim the same religion as me don’t seem to believe in the same Jesus I came to know; just a sad parody that reinforces tribal identity and patriotic and/or political sentiments. But this video allowed me for a few minutes to forget all that and find rest and hope for the world and for my soul. Thank you for inviting Tasha Cobbs Leonard to perform a Tiny Desk Concert. It means so much to me.
Same brother. Peace.
That’s such a wonder testimony. I believe that your walk with GOD is your own personal walk. Some people are hypocrites but we can just move past them or hopefully pray for them. May GOD bless you abundantly friend. 🙏🏾💕
Won't He doooo it! 🙏🏾🙌🏽
I like the gospel music, top, the best of the best. Jesus is King.
I love Tasha, she's one of most talented young gospel singer! and I want to listen to Karen Clark Sheard one day.
Yes Tasha! Also Kudos to those background singers. To God Be The Glory.
Her background singers were SANGIN'!!!
So much power, smoothness and soul in this woman's voice. I love you Tasha!! 💗
Imagine the harmonies from The Walls Group in this setting. Hopefully NPR invites them. With Tasha it seems possible now.
FLAWLESS!!! And those background singers are the TRUTH!!
I saw the notification this morning, and I wanted to just praise the Lord for how blessed she is and how great he is that she is now reaching bigger heights. I will always continue to stand in awe of how great God really is and how no matter what we do he will always do more than we can ever ask for xx God is too good 😞😊🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💞
Thanks for the music selections. Especially "You know my name."
Agree❤
That song really resonated with me
Soooo cool to see a Christian artist featured! Thank you for recognizing and featuring worship music.
She said, I'm the head not the tail!! If you don't live yo life like this!! Trust, I'm telling myself this repeatedly. Good God!! He is!!
Wow!! NPR!!! Love you open hearts to all music... Love Tasha!!!! Singgggggggg
Next The Walls Group! Jonathan McReynolds! Tori Kelly! Koryn Hawthorne! Gloria Achieng'!
Gloria Achieng' 🇰🇪 Rooting for you!
I think had added Tori Kelly but Jonathan McReynolds is everything 💕👏🏾
Oh how you walk with me ....... Thank you Lord for appointing unnamed angels on our path. A stranger can be the direct descendant of your will and way. You sent your son with each of our names inscribed in his heart and because of that, we know We each are your own...your mercy is beyond wonder!!!!