Grace Potter Performs "Run Baby Run" on CBS Saturday Sessions

Grace Potter Returns to CBS Saturday Morning

Four time Grammy nominee Grace Potter stepped back onto the studio stage of CBS Saturday Morning this week, bringing her signature blend of rock, soul and storytelling to a national audience. The performance was part of the program’s long‑standing “Saturday Sessions,” a series that showcases live music from artists across genres.

Potter’s appearance follows a busy promotional cycle for her seventh studio record, Trespasser. The album, released earlier this year, reflects a period of extensive travel between her California home and her roots in Vermont. Those journeys, filled with open highways and changing landscapes, serve as the thematic backbone of the record.

Background on “Run Baby Run” and the album Trescall

“Run Baby Run” is the third single from Trespasser and quickly became a fan favorite for its driving rhythm and lyrical urgency. The song captures the feeling of chasing a distant horizon, a metaphor that mirrors Potter’s own road trips. In interviews, she has described the track as a celebration of momentum and the desire to keep moving forward despite obstacles.

The album itself was recorded in studios located in both Los Angeles and Burlington, allowing Potter to weave together West Coast polish with New England grit. Critics have noted the seamless integration of electric guitars, organ swells and Potter’s powerful vocal delivery. The record’s liner notes credit a roster of seasoned musicians, including longtime collaborator and bassist Sam Wynne.

The Saturday Sessions Performance

When the lights dimmed on the CBS studio, Potter opened with a stripped‑down intro that highlighted her piano skills before the full band kicked in. The arrangement of “Run Baby Run” for the session emphasized raw energy over studio polish, giving the audience a taste of how the song translates to a live setting.

Key moments from the performance include:

• A soaring vocal bridge that showcases Potter’s range.
• A gritty guitar solo that nods to classic rock influences.
• Dynamic shifts between quiet verses and anthemic choruses.

Viewers praised the authenticity of the set, noting that the live instrumentation added depth to the track’s already rich production. The performance also featured a brief spoken intro where Potter thanked the crew and shared a personal anecdote about a late‑night drive through the Sierra Nevada.

Critical reception and fan response

Immediately after the broadcast, music critics took to social media and review sites to comment on the rendition. NPR’s music desk highlighted the song’s “relentless momentum” and praised Potter’s “commanding stage presence.” The review also noted that the live version added a “raw edge” that complements the studio cut.

Fans echoed similar sentiments on platforms such as Twitter and Reddit, with many calling the performance “a perfect showcase of her talent” and “the highlight of the week.” The hashtag #RunBabyRun trended briefly, generating thousands of impressions within hours of the airing.

What’s next for Grace Potter

Following the CBS appearance, Potter announced a series of intimate club dates across the United States, slated to begin in early October. The tour will feature a mix of new material from Trespasser and classic tracks from earlier albums such as Midnight and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Ticket sales are already strong, indicating a high level of anticipation for her live shows.

In addition to touring, Potter is slated to appear on a forthcoming episode of the podcast Song Exploder, where she will dissect the creative process behind “Run Baby Run.” The episode promises to provide insight into the lyrical inspiration and production choices that shaped the track.

For those interested in exploring more of Potter’s recent work, the full performance video will be available on the official CBS News website later this week. The network also plans to feature a behind‑the‑scenes segment that delves into the making of the Saturday Sessions set.

Grace Potter’s return to a national television stage underscores her continued relevance in the contemporary rock scene. By delivering a high energy performance of “Run Baby Run,” she not only promotes her latest album but also reaffirms her reputation as a compelling live artist.