Career:
Jon Batiste was born in Kenner, Louisiana, into a long line of musicians, including Lionel Batiste and Harold Battiste. At the age of 8, he played percussion and drums with his family's band, the Batiste Brothers Band. At his mother's suggestion, he switched to piano at the age of 11. Jon developed his piano skills by taking classical music lessons and transcribing songs from video games such as Street Fighter Alpha, Final Fantasy VII and Sonic the Hedgehog.
At 17, Batiste released Times in New Orleans. He attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts with Trombone Shorty and graduated in 2004 before going on to receive a bachelor's and master's degree from the Juilliard School. While at Juilliard, he released his second album Live in New York: At the Rubin Museum of Art, and by the end of 2006, had been a featured performer in South Africa, London, Lisbon, Spain, Paris and the United States.
In 2007, Batiste made his debut at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam at the age of 20, both producing and performing his own show. He conducted music clinics, classes and workshops throughout Netherlands in inner city schools and underprivileged neighborhoods. He was invited back to Carnegie Hall to produce and perform in his own show including six young musicians from the Netherlands. The performance concluded with a finale he composed for choir, jazz combo and orchestral instruments. In the year following, Batiste released a number of music projects including Social Music (2013) which spent over a month at the top of the Billboard and iTunes jazz charts, "The Late Show EP" (2016) with Stay Human and a holiday album "Christmas with Jon Batiste" (2016). In 2017, he released the singles "Ohio" with Leon Bridges and Gary Clark Jr. as well as "Battle Hymn of the Republic" for The Atlantic. Batise's debut solo album Hollywood Africans was released under Verve Records in September 2018. "Don't Stop" served as the lead single. Leading up to the album release, Batiste completed a Summer Festival tour across the U.S. with The Dap-Kings.
Batiste's notable career performances include a tribute to Chuck Berry and Fats Domino during the 60th annual Grammy Awards (performing alongside Gary Clark Jr.), the Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to Carmen De Lavallade, the Concert for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama as well as the National Anthem at the 2017 NBA All Star Game and Opening Night of the 2017 US Open. He has curated the Global Citizen Advocacy Concert with Tom Morello and the Louis Armstrong Wonderful World Festival in Queens, N.Y. Batiste is currently signed with Mick Management.
Stay Human.
In 2005, Batiste began performing regularly around the New York music scene with his Juilliard peers, bassist Phil Kuehn and drummer Joe Saylor. He later added Eddie Barbash on alto saxophone and Ibanda Ruhumbika on tuba. Batiste named the band Stay Human, which draws its moniker from the belief that human interaction during a live musical performance can uplift humanity in the midst of the "plug in/tune out" nature of modern society. The band leads impromptu street performances, which Batiste calls "love riots."
In 2011, Stay Human released the album MY N.Y., which was recorded in its entirety on New York City Subway trains, an idea that came to Batiste after questioning how to connect with people.
On April 22, 2017, the band played for the March for Science rally at the Washington Monument in Washington D.C.
Television and film:
In 2014, Batiste and Stay Human appeared on The Colbert Report to perform the group's single, "Express Yourself", written and produced with Austin Bis. On June 4, 2015, it was announced that the group would serve as house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The show premiered on CBS on September 8, 2015. On the show, Batiste and Stay Human have performed alongside Billy Joel, Will Smith, Wynton Marsalis, John Legend, Grace Vanderwaal, and Nas.
Batiste was cast in the HBO television series Treme, appearing in seasons 2, 3 and 4. He was also cast as T.K. Hazelton in director Spike Lee's film Red Hook Summer and composed and performed the Hammond B-3 organ music that was a part of the film score. Other film scores composed by Batiste include the television documentary Duke 91 & 92: Back to Back and the short film Melody of Choice. He also appears in the film Thrive by Paul Szynol.
Miscellaneous.
Batiste was included in the 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 music list and was named Grand Marshal of Endymion Parade in New Orleans in 2018. He has been awarded the American Jazz Museum Lifetime Achievement Award, the Harry Chapin ASCAP Humanitarian Award and the Movado Future Legend Award. In May 2017, Batiste received an honorary degree from Salve Regina University for his musical achievements and contributions to Newport's 2014 International Jazz Day.
Batiste has been featured in campaigns for Chase Bank, Apple Watch, Lincoln Continental, and numerous fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Barneys, Nordstrom, Frye Boots and Bonobos.
In April 2022, his album 'We Are' won Album of the Year at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, making Batiste the first Black artist to win the award since Herbie Hancock in 2008.
Discography
Times in New Orleans (2005)
Live in New York: At the Rubin Museum of Art (2006)
In the Night (2008)
The Amazing Jon Batiste! (2009)
MY N.Y. EP (2011) with Stay Human
Social Music (2013) with Stay Human
The Process (2014) with Chad Smith and Bill Laswell
The Late Show EP (2016) with Stay Human
Christmas with Jon Batiste (2016)
Music of Johny Lewis (2017) with Wynton Marsalis
Hollywood Africans (2018)
FREEDOM
Jon Batiste Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know why but I feel like freedom (yeah)
I hear a song that takes me back (I know)
And I let go with so much freedom (hey)
Free to live (how I wanna live)
I'ma get (where I'm gonna get)
'Cause it's my freedom
You're speaking my language
The way that you walk
You can't contain it
Is it the shoes?
Jumped up, kangaroo
We're overdue for a little more prancing
Now it's your time (it's your right)
You can shine (it's alright)
If you do, then I'ma do too
When I move my body just like this
I don't know why but I feel like freedom (yeah)
I hear a song that takes me back
And I let go with so much freedom (oowee)
Free to live (how I wanna live)
I'ma get (where I'm gonna get)
'Cause it's my freedom
The reason we get down, is to get back up
If someone's around, go on let them look
You can't stand still
This ain't no drill
More than cheap thrills
(Feels like money, money, money, money, money, money)
Now it's your time (it's your right)
You can shine (it's alright)
If you do, then I'ma do too
'Cause when I look up to the stars (stars)
I know exactly who we are (oh)
'Cause then I see you shine
You're shinin', you're shinin', oh
Free to be (everybody come on) (freedom)
(Everybody come 'round)
(Everybody come on) come on now
(Everybody hit the floor)
I'm stuck to the dancefloor
With the, with the whole tape
With the, with the, with the whole tape (let me see you wobble)
I'm stuck to the dancefloor
With the, with the whole tape
With the, with the, with the whole tape (let me see you shake)
You get what you ask for, givin' you the whole shake
I'ma give you the whole shake (let me see you wobble)
I'm stuck to the dancefloor
With the, with the whole tape
With the, with the, with the whole tape (can you make it break?)
I say yeah (yeah)
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
(Let me see you wobble)
'Cause, you do, I'ma do too
When I move my body just like this
I don't know why but I feel like freedom (freedom)
I hear a song that takes me back
And I let go with so much freedom
Free to live (how I wanna live)
I'ma get (where I'm gonna get)
'Cause it's my freedom
The song "Freedom" by Jon Batiste celebrates the liberation that comes with dancing and letting go. The opening lines, "When I move my body just like this, I don't know why but I feel like freedom," set the tone for the rest of the song. Batiste's smooth vocals and the lively instrumentation create an infectious energy that invites listeners to share in the sense of release and joy that comes with dancing.
In the verse, he talks about how he is free to live and get wherever he wants, celebrating his individuality and the choices that he makes. The chorus is anthemic, with Batiste urging everyone to embrace their freedom: "Free to be / (everybody come on) (freedom) / (Everybody come 'round) / (Everybody come on) come on now / (Everybody hit the floor)." The bridge is a direct call to action: "You can't stand still / This ain't no drill / More than cheap thrills," emphasizing the importance of being present to fully appreciate the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
When I move my body just like this
I experience a sense of liberation when I dance in this particular way
I don't know why but I feel like freedom (yeah)
This feeling of freedom is inexplicable but incredibly powerful
I hear a song that takes me back (I know)
This particular melody is nostalgic and brings back memories
And I let go with so much freedom (hey)
I lose myself in the music and feel completely liberated
Free to live (how I wanna live)
I have the freedom to live my life on my own terms
I'ma get (where I'm gonna get)
I am going to continue striving towards my goals
'Cause it's my freedom
This sense of liberty is all mine to keep and cherish
I love how you talk
I admire the way you communicate
You're speaking my language
We are on the same wavelength
The way that you walk
I'm fascinated by the way you move
You can't contain it
Your energy is infectious and uncontainable
Is it the shoes?
I'm wondering if your shoes are the secret to your movements
Jumped up, kangaroo
You're bouncing around like a kangaroo
We're overdue for a little more prancing
We need to dance more and let loose
Now it's your time (it's your right)
It's your moment to shine and you have the right to do so
You can shine (it's alright)
You have the freedom to sparkle and shine
If you do, then I'ma do too
I will be just as inspired by your shine and follow your lead
The reason we get down, is to get back up
We dance to experience the fall, just so we can rise again
If someone's around, go on let them look
Don't be shy, let others witness your dancing skills
You can't stand still
You have to keep moving and grooving
This ain't no drill
This is not a practice, give it your all
More than cheap thrills
This is more than just fun, it's liberating
(Feels like money, money, money, money, money, money)
This feels incredible, just like having loads of money
When I look up to the stars (stars)
When I gaze upon the stars above
I know exactly who we are (oh)
I feel a strong sense of identity and belonging
'Cause then I see you shine
When I see you light up with joy
You're shinin', you're shinin', oh
Your light cannot be dimmed, you're shining bright
Free to be (everybody come on) (freedom)
We are all free to be ourselves
(Everybody come 'round)
Everyone come and join us
(Everybody come on) come on now
Everyone, let's dance together
(Everybody hit the floor)
Everyone, start dancing now
I'm stuck to the dancefloor
I cannot stop dancing, I'm hooked
With the, with the whole tape
With the entire music collection
(let me see you wobble)
Show me how you move
(let me see you shake)
Show me how you groove
You get what you ask for, givin' you the whole shake
You asked for it, now let's dance
I'ma give you the whole shake (let me see you wobble)
I'll dance with you in my own unique way
(can you make it break?)
Let's take this dance to the next level
I say yeah (yeah)
I agree, let's dance
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
Absolutely, let's go
'Cause, you do, I'ma do too
I'll follow your lead and dance with you
I hear a song that takes me back
I come across a tune that brings back memories
And I let go with so much freedom (freedom)
I experience an incredible sense of liberation
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Autumn Rowe, Jonathan Batiste, Tierce A Person, Andrae Lamont Alexander
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MelSTAR UniVerse
#WorldMusicRadio Is Beauty In Spirit! #JonBatiste
Beautiful People,
#JonBatiste says that World Music Radio is his Love Letter to Humanity. For me, it is like a wisdom rollercoaster soundtrack of our lives.
"You Can Only Be Who Are. We Are Born the Same. Take a Deep Breath. Drink Water. Sun and the Stars, Night and the Day; Calling Your Name. Butterfly All Alone. Butterfly Flying Home. Stay Awhile, Here With Me. When You Go You'll Be Free. Tapestry So Supreme. Our Father Which Are In Heaven... Divine Intuition"
Listening I felt hope. I laughed, I cried. I danced. I sighed. I took deep breaths, listened to my heart and for unknown moments fell apart.
But the LIGHT in the music reminded me of the Great I AM and Peace moved through me.
Aaah, the lessons I have learned. Learning to Love seeing myself in the other. Walking the path of humility and Integrity with Love. Music Is Central to Our Being!
With Billy Bob Bo Bob, my heart chakras opened and I felt I was journeying fron Mecca to Austin to New Orleans to New Delhi, New York to Zurich, Paris to Dakar, Bahia to Detroit, San Francisco to Seoul, Santa Fe to the Himalayas, Durban to Maui, Palestine to Ukraine, Cairo to China and every place around and in between and above to Sirius and Galaxies Unknown.
We Are Stardust and Butterflies.
Aaaah. Sometimes when we are birthing something new, We Are UNEASY but we must look to our hearts and find Healing, Hope and Oneness in the Great I AM.
Jon Batiste says that World Music Radio is his Love Letter to Humanity!
Yes. YES. And with His Wonderful Collaborators, After the Rain Dance; #EarthAngelsAreRising!
#WorldMusicRadio Is Beauty In Spirit!
Believe. Breathe. Live. Love.
Always,
Melony ๐๐ฆ๐
aka Miss Mellie Rainbow ๐
Rob Hill
Iโm not a fan of the Today show and rarely watch it, but it plays at my job every morning so I watched. Im so glad I did because todays performance was my introduction to Jon Batiste. He changed the mood in the room and touched the people around me. He is so enigmatic and spiritual. This was one of the realest performances Iโve ever witnessed. I prejudged him as a superficial new age pop star before the performance, but my eyes were opened to the musical and spiritual genius of Jon Batiste. Thanks for sharing your love and energy with all of us my guy! Even the hosts were blown away and taken aback by your sheer tenacity and robust charisma. This canโt be faked and only a few are born with this gift.
๐ธ๏ธAgent F๐ธ๏ธ
Plus his sartorial style ๐
Angela Sealana
I'm so glad you 'met' him!!
lahla13
@robhill9989 Now you've had your intro, you may further be inspired by Jon Batiste playing piano (fantastic!) and Jon Batiste playing his mouth piano (if that's what it's called heheh!) leading musicians through the streets, New Orleans style (infectious!). (where he & his extensive musician family hale). enJoy!
Rob Hill
@Angela Sealana You had to be there. ๐
Janis Kobe
โคโคโค
DailyFont
I don't think it's possible to not be in a good mood after watching Jon. So much joy and enthusiasm.
Mr. Original one nice guy
Jon Batiste, Thanks For Making The World Smile!
senseofwonder
This artist is pure JOY!!!!โค
docilefox
Extremely underrated artist - love you Jon!