The Suffers On Letterman

Houston’s The Suffers delivered a gangbusters performance of “Gwan” on The Late Show With David Letterman Monday night, leaving the longtime late-night host giddy and the show’s bandleader, Paul Shaffer, chirping “Mighty! Mighty!” as the credits rolled.

A track from their self-released debut EP Make Some Room, “Gwan” opened with a fanfare from the group’s three-man horn section and driving Latin pulse courtesy of the congas of percussionist Jose “Chapy” Luna and Nick Zamora, whose bass drum bore the skeleton of Houston’s highway system. The entire band’s energy started at “up” and finished somewhere in the ozonosphere.

But was almost impossible to look away from singer Kam Franklin, who strutted, stomped and shimmied over most of the territory between Letterman’s desk and Shaffer’s CBS Orchestra, much more ground than the show’s musical guests normally cover. Her arms threw a few jabs here and there, and when it was time for the song’s refrain, Franklin planted her boots and sang from a part of the diaphragm that normally only experienced gospel singers can reach. She nailed it; if Franklin had been outside, you could have probably heard her across the Hudson River in New Jersey.

After the group told their fans back home “Houston, you are with us tonight” earlier in the day on social media, their performance was met with an avalanche of hurrahs. But they could hardly be more effusive than Letterman himself, who — before hugging Franklin and kissing her on the top of the head — said, “if you can’t do this, get out of the business.”

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

— The Suffers (@TheSuffers) March 31, 2015

If you have a TV turn it on now and watch @TheSuffers on @Letterman tonight then buy their record if ya like it #ThankMeLater

— Fat Tony (@fattonyrap) March 31, 2015

With all the weak, horrible voices moaning over laptops these days, The Suffers are a true gift from God. Nothing less. @TheSuffers

— Matt Sonzala (@Pushermania) March 31, 2015

Goddamn @TheSuffers. Y’all just put Houston back on the map. So proud! #SuffersDoLetterman #FYHA #houstonpride

— Otenki (@otenki) March 31, 2015

.@TheSuffers were amazing on @Letterman! So thankful for @KamFranklin & @mcaphoto for showing off the creativity of this city! #Htownproud

— Joseph Tracy (@imjosephtracy) March 31, 2015

@TheSuffers Amazing job, guys! Guess there’s no more playing in our downstairs room anymore!

— Fitzgerald’s Houston (@FitzLiveMusic) March 31, 2015

y’all put that “mayne” in Lettermayne! @TheSuffers jammed it on @Letterman last night. when u gone give me some dancin lessons @KamFranklin

— yazzaspazza (@yazzaspazza) March 31, 2015