Acclaimed musician Jon Batiste, known for his Grammy and Oscar-winning work and his tenure as bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has given a revealing insight into his personal playlist. Batiste, who advocates for an open-minded approach to music, stated, 'I don’t believe in song shaming!' This philosophy underpins his eclectic taste, which spans genres from the Australian punk rock of Amyl and the Sniffers to the neo-soul artistry of Erykah Badu.
The New Orleans-born artist delved into his musical upbringing, highlighting how his family laid the foundation for his diverse appreciation. He recalled the first song he truly fell in love with: Clarence Carter's 'Strokin'.' Batiste recounted hearing the track played by his father and, despite being only eight years old, knowing every lyric – a memory he now views with a touch of humour. His earliest musical lessons, he explained, were deeply rooted in family, with his Uncle Thomas particularly instrumental in sending him jazz recordings by iconic figures such as Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis.
However, amidst his broad and inclusive musical palette, Batiste revealed a strong and unexpected aversion. When asked about music he struggles to appreciate, he singled out the American jazz-rock band Steely Dan. While the specific reasons for his dislike were not detailed, this candid admission stands out against his otherwise open-minded approach to music.
Batiste’s career has seen him collaborate with a vast array of artists and achieve significant critical acclaim, including five Grammy Awards in 2022 and an Academy Award for Best Original Score for the Pixar film 'Soul'. His latest album, 'World Music Radio', continues to showcase his genre-bending style. His willingness to share such personal insights into his musical journey offers fans a deeper understanding of the artist behind the accolades.
For UK audiences, Jon Batiste's music is widely available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. His film 'Soul' is available to stream on Disney+.