Jon Batiste Transcriptions

Biography of Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste (born in Kenner, Louisiana) is a multi-instrumentalist and bandleader who first gained widespread recognition as the charismatic frontman for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, all while quietly building a career as a deeply respected composer and curator of New Orleans heritage. He achieved mainstream and critical acclaim for his composition work on the Pixar film Soul, which earned him an Academy Award, and for his 2021 album We Are, which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. His extensive discography spans jazz, R&B, and gospel, often serving as a vibrant platform for celebrating and preserving the rich musical traditions of his native Louisiana. Batiste’s profound impact on American culture has been further recognized with an Emmy Award for his music direction on The Late Show and numerous performances at prestigious venues worldwide.