Legendary singer/songwriter Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds took center stage on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert last week.
At age 64, Babyface is not slowing down. The maestro performed his classic love ballads “Whip Appeal” and “Two Occasions.” He also covered hit songs that he wrote for others, including “Superwoman” (Karyn White), “Take A Bow” (Madonna), “Not Gon’ Cry” (Mary J. Blige), “Can We Talk” (Tevin Campbell), “I’ll Make Love To You” and “End Of The Road” (Boyz II Men), and “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” (Whitney Houston).
Babyface brought along an all-star lineup of background singers, (L-R): Avery Wilson, Chanté Moore and Tank.
Babyface’s live band included music director Erskine Hawkins III on the keyboards, Antoine Porter on guitar, Walt Barnes Jr. on bass and Reggie Regg playing drums.
As he started playing 1993’s “Can We Talk,” Babyface cleared the air on who the song was originally written for: “This song was, honest to God, originally and always planned to be written for this kid named Tevin Campbell,” he said.
There was a rumor that “Can We Talk” was originally written for another kid named Usher Raymond.
NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts is a series of live concerts hosted by NPR Music at the tiny desk of host Bob Boilen in Washington, D.C.
Watch the video below.
