Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste is a force of nature and a powerhouse of creativity and connection. For seven years, he infused millions of homes with his signature energy and warmth as the bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. An Academy Award and seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist, he blends music, storytelling, and activism to inspire and unite. His electrifying talks go beyond words; they are experiences that invite audiences to embrace creativity, mindfulness, and the power of community.

Batiste’s impact on music and culture is undeniable. He has headlined prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Concertgebouw. He has collaborated with powerhouse artists like Prince, Tori Kelly, and Jimmy Buffett. His 2021 album We Are made Grammy history with 11 nominations across seven genres and won five awards, including Album of the Year. His work on Pixar’s Soul earned him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA, an NAACP Image Award, and a Critics’ Choice Award. Batiste most recently recorded the original score for Jason Reitman’s hit 2024 film Saturday Night that chronicles the backstage chaos before Saturday Night Live’s very first show. Batiste also starred in the film as Billy Preston, SNL’s first-ever musical guest.

As co-director and music curator for the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Batiste creates programs for hundreds of students to explore and appreciate jazz music. He also works with Music Unites, which provides music education to underprivileged children in underfunded schools.

Whether exploring presence, justice, or music’s ability to heal and break barriers, Batiste energizes and prepares audiences to create lasting impact.