Jon Batiste

Recognized as “a certified musical genius” (The Guardian) and “a once-in-a-generation talent with a passion for connecting people through music” (Classic FM), Jon Batiste is an American composer, pianist, singer, bandleader, educator, producer, and cultural ambassador. His many honors include eight Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and an Oscar.   An ongoing set of albums titled Batiste Piano Series foregrounds the pianist’s engagement with groundbreaking composers from across the musical spectrum with spontaneous composition and improvisation. Volume 1 of the series, released in 2024 (Verve/Interscope), is Beethoven Blues, followed by Black Mozart (Decca Records US), both of which reimagine – while preserving the music’s essence – some of the composers’ most iconic works through influences from Black American styles. Two more volumes on Verve focusing on Thelonious Monk follow: Monk Meditations and Monk Movements, reflecting Batiste’s view of Mozart and Monk as kindred spirits.    These recordings follow the success of Jon’s previous studio albums, all of which reveal the scope of Batiste’s musicianship. BIG MONEY (2025), was “a perfect little package of pure joy, fantastic wordplay, amazing musicianship and subtle soul” (Downbeat) that won the Grammy for Best Americana Album. WE ARE (2021) made Grammy history, with Batiste receiving eleven nominations in seven different categories, before winning Album of the Year and more.