A Conversation with Jon Batiste: The History & Future of American Music

At 27, New York City Musician Jon Batiste is considered by many to be one of the most exciting and progressive new crossover talents on the scene today. His modern take on the American songbook - equally influenced by his passion for jazz and classical styles, which he calls "Social Music" - attracts critical acclaim as well as audiences across all demographics. These two New Orleans natives will discuss Batiste's music, their hometown, the importance of music education, and the state and future of American musical traditions more broadly.
Featuring:
Jon Batiste
Walter Isaacson
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[@karynpitt3148]

This man is a musical genius. This is the best breakdown of jazz etc I have heard. The more I listen to Jon Batiste the more I am intrigued by his passionate love for New Orleans and the history of Jazz and Music history. He is a extraordinary teacher and artist. I'm amazed❤

[@bbrosser694]

As I learn more about Mr. Jon Batiste; I become more appreciative of him and his beautiful music.

[@kdub1242]

Although it has deep roots and influences from across the oceans, I think it's fair to argue that jazz might be the only original American musical art form, and this guy is one of the modern geniuses of the art. An American treasure. Had to add another thought: Some geniuses are amazing, but intimidating. They make me feel like I should sell or burn my instrument and consider going into shoe sales perhaps. But other geniuses, although equally amazing, make me want to play even more and enjoy the process. I put Jon Batiste squarely in the latter category.

[@chasefreak]

Jazz, with it's roots in the Blues IS America's only true art form-and from "the Blues" has come every form of "commercial" music (Ragtime, Swing, Dixieland, Be-Bop, Cool, Hard Bop, Big band Jazz, R&B, Rockabilly, Rock 'N Roll & Pop)

[@katherandefy]

So agree with you, K.

[@candygardner4440]

Yes!! His humility is as impressive as his vast talent! And that's saying something!

[@sara-hi9dm]

Unbelievably Beautiful! He IS music!

[@SP-zb2zk]

What an amazing session with the talented Jon Batiste. I learned so much!

[@elisemiller13]

@S P yeah! grew up with everyone around him teaching him Beautiful! Wynton Marsalis has a lot of Jazz teachings as well...on his horn, but straight knowledge of Jazz

[@intowngirl102]

I learned a lot too! Did you notice that when Jon went out into the audience, everyone was smiling. He just has that affect on people. Him and his music!

[@emmanuelethnomusicology2229]

Love the interview Mr. Batiste! I would like to add a few facts. Sidney Bechet, Jelly roll Morton, and Gottschalk all were of ancestry Haiti. Even the Spanish Cubans you spoke of migrated from Haiti to Cuba, and then to New Orleans. Alright...Peace n Healing!

[@judykonopka9029]

I'm an old lady, but I'd just love to give Jon Batiste a big hug. I love listening to him - he's a musical genius.

[@nkululekonazo5755]

Yes indeed 😊 he already a legend... with an Oscar and five Grammys 🎼🎶🎤👑❤️👏👏

[@candygardner4440]

Judy Konopka, I'm an old lady too and I just love him. Such a wealth of talent, intelligence, insight, and humility. Also full of the Holy Spirit!❤❤❤I'm 74 and I think he's a gas🔥

[@nadinelafavors6657]

Love it..keep teaching

[@PanosTzoum]

One of the best videos on KZbin! Could someone enlist some of songs Jon played? It would very helpful.

[@katharinebuckman2815]

Incomparable

[@garykubota9578]

Right on!

[@jb4419]

Great interview!

[@dickwitingtonkimeze7298]

This kid is special!

[@kennethvanwroten4186]

No disrespect, but I'm bothered by the fact that the whole audience was middle to upper age white people. We need more youth to appreciate this, especially urban, minority youth to really make a difference.. it's hard to feel the crowd's genuineness with only a certain demographic

[@jonah8543]

It is a bummer how 21st century jazz is locked behind a pay wall

[@elisemiller13]

Hello! what do you expect when this was filmed in Aspen? & c'mon Really?! The man told you he does this after his concerts in the streets. New York, New Orleans.....huge demographic spread

[@georgerosebush9754]

"Show me" "Whoooo"

[@jamesdaviddupre99]

Jon is a gift from God. Prayers for his ailing wife. Good interview. Kid Ory's daughter related that Kid helped to obtain a fake birth certificate so that under-age Louis Armstrong could play in clubs. I believe it; I saw a copy. Hence the birthdate mystery. Great music!

[@lorianapauli2709]

What is the instrument he plays called?

[@rapmaster]

Melodica, or as JB calls it, Harmoniboard.

[@kennethvanwroten4186]

44:23 my favorite part

[@meeichenberger9673]

whats the song at 37:36 called? Help.. anybody?

[@sivanisrikanthan8216]

Look up "Social Music" by John Batiste and Stay Human

[@FLEXHARVEY]

How does one meet Jon Batiste if they are thier Idol? Im trippin' cuz he's on his own path my path. No comparisons required, real deal brothers. Id like a change in my life.

[@cameronallenmusic]

Toward the end. . . that is simply the whitest, least groovy, audience ever.

[@divingchicago]

Does it really matter????? Food and Music unite people.

[@ducciocastelli7560]

What a grim instrument..

[@JayDub4321]

These people are so white!! XD

[@ehenry4282]

His knowledge and intelligence is to high for the interviewer and the audience.

[@bobsmith-ov3kn]

JB is really smart, not just musically. The interviewer guy is really annoying, would have been much better with a big black guy or someone a little more similar to Jon himself

[@retmvp]

Wow!! An incredible wealth of knowledge. Thank you.

[@whatsit101]

great educational interview, thank you

[@MuzoSTEIN]

Utterly fantastic & inspirational. Thank you Batiste, Isaacson, & Uploader!

[@albertndze]

HE IS GOOD MY GOD. WHAT A HUMAN.

[@ehenry4282]

His knowledge and intelligence is to high for the interview and his audience. I think he is going to be the first person I called a genius

[@stevemarsh7]

Cool.

[@I_Just_Am_0]

Wow !!!

[@romanschlichting8873]

What is the song called at 37:19?? I love it but can't find it please let me know!

[@carlettagoodrich-mann1377]

Jon and Cynthia procreating. Classic music for R&B.

[@ppawelppawel]

"Chopin be like..." :)

[@burnhamny]

fantastic!

[@m.a.3322]

9:30

[@jeannieswafford2716]

Love Jon bististe