Jon Batiste

A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and composer, Jon Batiste has had a career marked by a rich and varied tapestry of musical collaborations. He has recorded and performed with a diverse array of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Rey, and many more. Additionally, his nightly appearances as the bandleader and musical director on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" from 2015 to 2022 showcased his talents to a broader audience. His roles as the music director of The Atlantic and the Creative Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem further underscore his dedication to the art of music.

Not limiting his skills to the stage and studio, Batiste has made significant contributions to film music. Notably, he co-composed the score for the Pixar animated film "Soul," earning him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Grammy Award, and a BAFTA Film Award. His album "We Are" (2021) won him the Grammy for Album of the Year, one of his five Grammy Awards from twenty nominations. His journey of composing his first symphony was captured in the 2023 documentary film, "American Symphony." In 2024, Batiste composed Jason Reitman's film "Saturday Night," where he also appeared as keyboardist and singer Billy Preston.

Beyond his music, Batiste is recognized for his activism and support of civil rights, participating in demonstrations organized by the Black Lives Matter movement and supporting various initiatives like the Equal Justice Initiative and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. His influences span from Mahalia Jackson and James Brown to Louis Armstrong and Stevie Wonder, reflecting the diversity of his musical style.