11-Time Grammy Nominee Jon Batiste on “We Are” | Amanpour and Company

Pixar’s holiday release "Soul" was an instant hit, offering up jazz and life lessons for young and old. The man behind that film’s memorable music was none other than Jon Batiste. He’s a familiar face to many as bandleader on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," and has recently donned another hat in his “We Are” campaign - a series of protests that explore civil justice through music and community. He speaks with Michel Martin about his activism, his new album and how they intersect.
Jon Batiste’s new album WE ARE is available for pre-order and releases on March 19.
Originally aired on January 28, 2021.
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@colettestivarius5186]

“Stay close to people who feel like sunshine”...Jon is Sunshine in human form.

[@adammarshall6257]

Underrated, he's a genius in his own right, such a way with words.

[@pjbraine2289]

"underrated" maybe by closed-minded fools!?

[@marianserra8371]

They don't make them like Jon. He's a joy just to watch him laugh. God bless you Jon💟

[@gypsy97feder94]

What a beautiful human being!

[@Kit-se3zs]

What a wonderful human.

[@gbereterbide6440]

Merely his smile warms my heart, let alone that I can feed my soul with his music.

[@karenl7786]

This man is such an old soul and yet so fresh a new. He has so much to teach us and I hope we are listening. If you do not take living in joy as a primary lesson from him then you're missing the point.

[@JonBatisteTruthBeTold]

Wahoohoo!

[@tracyclark7560]

An incredible son. I know his parents are proud of Jon Batiste, so many of us are.

[@starlessmystery6429]

They need really strong leaders like John Batiste. To give people hope and joy while sending a message of strength, openness and unity. I have nothing but respect for him!

[@susanbengston3496]

starless mystery- WE NEED STRONG LEADERS LIKE JON BATISTE!!!!!! EVERY LIVING ENTITY ON EARTH NEEDS OUR J.B.’s!!!!!

[@annalee8868]

I love Jon Batiste’s energy, enormous talents and sweetness we all could emulate. Long live Jon Batiste!

[@talimn]

guy makes me smile every time. "Yes indeeeeed"

[@ksls3503]

Beautiful, Content, Joy, Thank you Jon.

[@susansawiki2318]

A magical 🧙‍♀️ musician~

[@jacquelinewalters2706]

Jon is the personification of joy. "Art is a window to the truth. and there's joy in knowing, even when the truth is painful." Also "After 2020, we can't forget about fun. A part of us Remaining Human and our humanity being asserted is us having fun and having joy in our life."

[@mflumiani]

Right? I just adore this man's poise, humanity and obvious talent.

[@catherineneal5370]

We so needed to hear after 2020 remember to have fun. So many of us were so exhausted

[@kingahruszka5371]

Personification of joy. Well stated!

[@kalyarthurs2846]

Jon gives me goosebumps when he talks sings and plays. He is beyond brilliant.

[@EmilyKnight413]

Instant goosebumps. Was just thinking this.

[@carolhaslam682]

I’m 74 love this video in art gallery identified with the dancers this young man is so intelligent and talanted

[@MelissaThompson432]

1) I have always admired him as an artist and a person. 2) he makes me smile.

[@mikeway7207]

This dude's spirit and talent consistently moves me to the verge of tears. Low-key obsessed and high-level grateful for Jon Batiste.

[@EmilyKnight413]

Grew up in NOLA so my “verge of tears” bar is high, he melts and calms my soul on the first note every song or public appearance. Grateful for his existence.

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

So nice to hear, especially from a black man! This guy is an example for all men, Black, White, Men Women! AMEN!

[@mao6832]

Jon Batiste's smile can light up the entire world!

[@Rational_Mind]

Been watching Batiste for a long time on Colbert. He’s a national treasure, the exact opposite of all these trump supporter/Q’anon believers. Batiste emanates goodness, joy, caring, selflessness whereas they emanate anger, envy, selfishness and vindictiveness.

[@flowerfaeri]

I've always loved this man. He exudes such love and joy and positivity. He gives me hope in dark these times.

[@judyjohnson7286]

Spot on, he is a treasure that we really need to share everywhere with everyone. Love and joy is what he’s all about and what we all need a lot more of. Love you sweet man.

[@judyjohnson7286]

He is the super bowl.

[@debracottrill7989]

Music can change the world, keep repeating the goodness standing in the middle Time to keep the pendulum in the middle.

[@kathleenwoollcott4750]

Don’t embarrass yourself with your politics!

[@codygiron7814]

Jon Batiste is a gift to the world!

[@lits3212]

Couldn’t agree more!!!

[@JonBatisteTruthBeTold]

"Thank you, thank you, for your love!" PURE JOY😃

[@critters16]

He is a treasure

[@lieselemay]

Yes! Much love Jon Batiste.

[@heatherstubbs6646]

Jon, you inspire me to stay joyful, no matter what. I LOVE your question, “Am I really about what I say I am.” I need to start asking myself that same question. Thank you for your honesty, your clean, genuine spirit, and your joyful expression. Truly, you are an “old soul”!

[@EmilyKnight413]

Perfectly put.

[@celiciasequeira6030]

Jon, thank you for sharing your talent with the world🙏

[@dsthorp]

Jon Batiste, You are beautiful.

[@steve1506]

Stephen Colbert hit a homerun getting this genius on his team.

[@Kate-zl3zl]

One of my favorite human beings. He should be doing halftime at the Super Bowl.

[@janiceleeripley443]

I love him!!! He's such an amazing Human Being.

[@momishka7]

He is all light and love and joy! Keep making music!

[@erasmusherzen]

"This album is filled with joy. It is filled with joy... you are known as a joy giver. Anybody who kind of sees you perform.... Have you felt a tension between being a truth teller and a joy giver? "The practice of being a joy giver and bringing people that sense of catharsis and release, is a spiritual practice for me... Art is really a way to point to the truth, shine a light on the truth, art is a window to the truth. And there is joy in knowing -- even if the truth is painful.... The only way that we are going to be able to continue to fight it, and move forward, is if we know the truth..." WISDOM

[@pamcamcris]

I hope to catch Jon perform live one day... sooner rather than later!

[@pynn1000]

erasmusherzen - thank you for taking the trouble to transcribe those words.

[@ingridgrattidge5637]

Love you to the moon and back! 🙏❤️🌻🙋‍♀️💕

[@ravipeiris4388]

There is such an overflow of talent in this man. But, just as importantly, there is a humanity and old soul feeling about him. I would love to meet his mentors, grandparents and parents who helped influence and encouraged this young brother, Ravi Peiris M.D.

[@klarakrok]

Adorable Amazing Talent ...JanBaptiste

[@philnasmith9755]

Love him, love his spirit, love his music

[@fizzedupslade4082]

What a really great guy. 'As a leader in your field you have to hold yourself to a higher standard' I think he said that? Integrity, integrity, integrity. Wonderful to see an artist express themselves this way. Love that video!

[@jolness1]

Jon is phenomenal! Such a talented musician, eloquent speaker and so kind hearted.

[@Judith1774]

Jon Batiste -- what a beautiful and blessed soul.

[@janesmiley5213]

He is such a fine human, beautiful soul shining

[@terri200]

He and his music are magnificent! He is a complete genius! Have to always watch Steve Colbert so I can hear him. P.S. Steve is awesome too. Jon, thank you so very much for bringing such magic into this world!!👏👏😀♥️🙏🙏

[@LostintheTwilightZone]

I wish Stephen would showcase him more often....let him play an entire song!!! The little daily snippets are good, but I really wish he would allow him a full song at least once a month or more!!!

[@Lindaheal]

Great interview between powerful, highly articulate beings inviting us to take a deeper dive into the broadly, deeply talented work of Jon Baptiste. What an extraordinary talent bringing magic to us in ever more wonderful ways. Watching the two of you enjoy each other, and feeling it spill over to the rest of us has made my evening joyful indeed.

[@poetansperry]

He is such LIGHT in the world. Destined to do great things!

[@spinozareader]

He just exudes love and goodness.

[@kaarenbock4803]

I love his advice at the end (starting at 16:00). Thank you, Jon Batiste!!

[@heidis3993]

Great questions from Michel about the dynamics between joy and protest, and between sacred and secular.

[@BelleTolles]

It was a brilliant interview!

[@steph8842]

I AM SOOOO PROUD OF HIM! My heart is filled with joy for him as if he was my kin.

[@armandoromero5661]

that was a beautiful story

[@obcl8569]

Pure joy. Pure soul. Pure truth. One in a million this guy.

[@BelleTolles]

Great interview. He is such a bright light. That last little bit was a delightful ending

[@margiechisley3007]

You are a great young man I would feel blessed to have you as a son . God bless you.

[@juspatricia]

Love Jon Batiste! Beautiful in body and soul as he brings his truth and shares it with the world!

[@csstudio3648]

Omg, love this guy! Great interview!! 💙💜💛

[@ShredderTainment]

Yes art is a window to the truth!!! Love you JohnB, and what a great interviewer!

[@kpepperl319]

Every time Mr. Batiste is on my screen... He makes me smile. My heart just sings. It's a reflex. Mr. Batiste is a national treasure.

[@JRCMRamos]

Respect, Jon. I have been a fan of Colbert's show and yours for some time. I hope to see you play live someday.

[@domandcolleenteachenglish4362]

"I need you" is a pure delight. Check out his video of "Don't stop" as well. Thank you Jon and thank you A&Co. Brilliant interview.

[@mistressmozart]

the live performance of Don't Stop on colbert a couple years ago is wonderful!

[@karimajor1165]

Such a fun video and Jon is just beautiful

[@linzylu3565]

Great musician and artist. Love his rendition of the Battle Hymm score he did for The Atlantic. Festival. It’s genius.

[@shirleyoldfield7200]

Thank you for such an insightful interview. I have been appreciating Jon for a number of years now and to be able to listen to such an eloquent conversation has been pure joy.

[@joyleenstrozier4295]

Hi Amanpour & Co, I like your content. I love watching your videos.

[@galeg.3427]

Dear Jon Batiste, I thank you for bringing your life- giving music and healing words to our world. Your authentic voice grounds me and inspires me to dance a hopeful dance. 🙏

[@starlessmystery6429]

People need to be openly educated as to why people have differences. They need to be educated about the very beginnings of racism which is ancient. The truth needs to be taught to children so their minds will not be so easily swayed to hate.

[@JeffreyGoddin]

Well, but racism was invented in America, to be clear. If you don't know that, look it up.

[@starlessmystery6429]

@@JeffreyGoddin no, it was not

[@JeffreyGoddin]

@@starlessmystery6429 There really are many studies of history that show racism originating against the Jews in Europe in the middle ages, but really becoming formalized in secular America with the philosophy of hereditary and inalterable differences that justified the preclusion and exploitation on the basis of race. I'm not inventing this. What I'm saying, as you said, is that we should be educated, and I'm letting you know that claiming racism to be ancient is incorrect. America invented racism. It's our sin, that we've spread throughout the world.

[@starlessmystery6429]

@@JeffreyGoddin there are older cultures than that who racism was directed at. Stop being stupid

[@JeffreyGoddin]

@@starlessmystery6429 Educate me. Start with your definition of racism.

[@tomgucwa7319]

Man that guy....press on comrade ! Simply the best.

[@livmurray1958]

Tears ....he is bang on! ❤️☀️☀️☀️🙏🙏🏿🙏🏾🙏🏽🙏🏼🙏🏻kind, genuine, Compassionate, He cares+ Loves, most of all Spiritual!

[@love2learnmitchell329]

Absolutely loved this interview! Pure joy!

[@donnamartell9056]

Loved this interview

[@egonetta007]

What a pleasure watching this on a Saturday morning. Congratulations and continued successes to you Jon.

[@cherylbielich8425]

Love and light. He’s an old soul. Excellent

[@StephiSensei26]

Brilliant. A shining light in our times. Jon Batiste is a treasure, not only because of his talent(s), but because of his mindfulness of what it means to be a human being. He is the perfect example of why the artist is necessary to complete any culture and being it to its apex. Love and admire you Jon.

[@marthavillegas6250]

Love him!

[@clancydubh]

Jon Batiste comes off as a really good soul.

[@LMNevada]

What a fine interview. Thank you

[@ellenw391]

This man is truly a light in the darkness! While I'm glad Colbert is using him more often, usually speaking to him,, why have I never heard him sing or do any of this on the show? What are blasted waste!

[@alexgoslar4057]

Jon Batiste, you are great and so humble at the same time. Like your music.

[@mariabetancourt6797]

He is so talented and real....he is on the right side of history

[@essence830]

What a Spirit he's been blessed with! 💟 I've never had enough of Jon Batiste when he speaks or plays - it's always 'to short of a moment' for me! 💟 Hope he can create his own Daily Musical Show one day soon, where he will share his jazz stories, jazz musicians bios, etc. and play, play, play in between while smiling & laughing with his kind eyes. (something like Kelly Clarkson show but with pure Classy Jazz Vibe, pls!)

[@elenazagaglia4590]

Yes indeed...What a guy.

[@Outofalldoors]

Great interview! Thank you for posting

[@greenbrain8725]

Talent, goodness and the best smile on the planet.

[@ceciliafranciscotan3652]

Long admired this most beautiful human being...so needed during this time. On my bucket list: to meet him in person.

[@patbraden4342]

John is so easy to like he is so gracious and full of light. Glad John is on this earth at this time in history (His-story) resonates with these times. Blessings on him.

[@ollednom2780]

He’s such a good person

[@JeffreyGoddin]

Great to connect a face with a name and voice! I've been listening to Michel Martin for years! Great interviewer, well educated and cultured, great questions, and great voice, of course.

[@beda543]

I honestly DID NOT think I needed this conversation as much as I did! This was a true joy to listen to...continued blessings to them both!!😊

[@snarlyone8419]

This guy is just awesome

[@acnacn1861]

He's amazing, so original.

[@johnzuska7429]

Jon Batiste, your journey is so meaningful for all of us. God bless you for your multiplicity of talents. Like Wynton Marsalis, you are super gifted musically, and also gifted at verbalizing about it, bringing it down to all of us. I couldn’t love you more, man!

[@elkiness]

That put a smile on my face! And a warm feeling in my life.

[@patj4952]

So much talent and so much awareness and introspection for someone so young. His music makes me smile.

[@howardcohen6817]

I feel so lucky that Jon Batiste is. Love.

[@evettemccollum4993]

Jon Batiste has Great talent! 💙

[@erasmusherzen]

truth teller = joy giver

[@annenelson9270]

Love your music 🎶 👌💕

[@Lantanana]

I just now realized Jon has sort of a southern accent. I live in Texas, and I think he is from Louisiana. He has a very similar accent to the accent me and my family has.

[@Virus-xm7qc]

So what he still BELONGS to ALL AMERICA, SO LEARN TO SHARE!😁

[@EmilyKnight413]

He is from new orleans.

[@kmvaami4144]

Thank you

[@wellnessworldusa]

What a wonderful interview!!! Love this. Thank you for sharing.

[@utubefreshie]

Love Jon! Wish I could watch him live in concert when this pandemic is all over!

[@apothecareyarts4076]

Brlliant intverview, inspiring conversation. Thank you to the both of you.

[@markdarnell614]

Jon immenates the BEST of NEW ORLEANS Passion, Intensity, Intelligence, Social Consciousness, and - JOY! He is of that line that includes The Nevilles, Marsalis, Boute, and Payton NOLA Dynasties !

[@patj4952]

AMEN

[@charliseitz7221]

Must say he is fab!

[@KaarinTaipale]

Thank you for this! Amazing.

[@Les020519]

We need more positive people sharing those hopeful, positive vibes during these times of struggle for so many. Remind people that we will get through this.

[@isetfrances6124]

Michele, just admiring that rainbow jewelry. Isn’t it reassuring to have this young son, a semblance of greats - from Q to The Duke! Ahhhh☺️🎼🎹 So nourishing that I’m inspired to learn piano 👏🏾