Carlos Vives Performs Classic Songs During NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert

The musician previously appeared on the Tiny Desk (At Home) series, but makes a proper debut with “La Cachucha Bacana,” “Diosa Coronada,” “Ella,” and more

Carlos Vives brought his catalog of hits to NPR’s Tiny Desk. The Colombian vallenato leader previously appeared on the Tiny Desk (At Home) series, but made a proper debut with an ambitious performance. Backed by a 12-piece band, Vives ran through seven songs in just under half an hour.

Vives opened the set with “La Cachucha Bacana,” followed by “Diosa Coronada” and “Ella.” The set list selection comes in celebration of La Tierra del Olvido, the pivotal record the musician released in 1995. The 30th anniversary festivities continued with “Agua,” title track “La Tierra del Olvido,” and “Pa’ Mayte.” Vives closed the performance with “Fruta Fresca,” which arrived on El Amor de Mi Tierra a few years after La Tierra del Olvido.

Earlier this year, Vives reissued La Tierra del Olvido, for its anniversary. The album followed the remastered and expanded edition of Clásicos de la Provincia from 2023, which itself coincided with the release of the musician’s 18th studio album, Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así.

Last year, Vives was named Person of the Year at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards. “I am happy that The Latin Recording Academy celebrated el rock de mi pueblo by choosing me as the Person of the Year in this 25th-anniversary edition,” Vives told Rolling Stone at the time. “My songs connect the spirits of our American and Hispanic diversity.”

He added: “I share this recognition with all those who taught me to love my Colombian heritage and with my musician friends who have always believed that our rock & roll is born from local music. And what better way to celebrate it than by being in these pages?”

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

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