Jon Batiste Performing Blackbird - 09 FEB 2016

Jon Batiste performing Blackbird on The Late Show - 09 FEB 2016.

[@vonsuthoff]

When you realize this song was written about black folks struggle from slavery to freedom... Rising from bondage... Continuing to believe in a better world for their children... Learning to fly and take their rightful place as fellow human beings... Then, it becomes one of the most beautiful songs ever written. (Thank you Paul McCartney.)

[@elenaderoet4926]

Jon's rendition is so poignant... he is amazing and beautiful.

[@Vejur9000]

Beautifully said.

[@Vejur9000]

@@elenaderoet4926 Amen.

[@vonsuthoff]

@@Vejur9000 ... Thank you. Any song that can make a retired Marine tear up is a pretty darn good song for sure. I felt the pain of the past, and I felt the hope and joy for the future. One of my two best friends, growing up in Mississippi was (and still is) black. I am an old white fart now, but, those early days did present a few challenges for both he and I. After all we met in a middle school class in the early 70's. By the time we graduated, surprisingly, most locals had got all their outward racism out and acted pretty cool. Now, my children and grandchildren hardly see skin color at all. And that to me is a beautiful thing. Like MLK Jr. said... "Let us be judged by the content of our character..." It's about damn time.*

[@hemiolaguy]

@@maxpower2542 And what is the struggle for civil rights, except the struggle against oppression, bondage, inequality, prejudice and hatred? A hope and yearning towards freedom and equality -- it's all tied together.

[@marchills4131]

There are some performers that one might call a national treasure. But every once a while a talent comes along and you just shake your head and think: this one's a gift to all of humanity. God bless you, John Baptiste.

[@marshaeddy5143]

BEAUTIFULLY expressed, marchills4131. 🌹

[@jeannewashington7964]

Beautifully stated. ❤ Peace and blessings. 😊

[@dr.jamesolack8504]

It’s *Jon Batiste*. Just sayin’.

[@jeepwran]

And not just his musical talent but, any interview, one of the most positive uplifting people I know of.

[@rxw5520]

@@dr.jamesolack8504same name. Jon Batiste is a shortened form of the French Jean-Baptiste (John the Baptist). Batiste is the spelling variation you see in Louisiana and the Caribbean a lot. Doesn’t really need correction unless you’re just being difficult.

[@JamesG714]

sometimes the musical energy of the universe picks someone special and flows through them like water. Beautiful

[@kaysullivan7626]

Well said

[@retta-xs5yo]

Very poetic words, beautifully put.

[@peggyconlon4411]

Best comment of all

[@daivyakapadia7578]

Couldn't put it more nicely

[@keioncoleman9918]

I felt that too.

[@alinasings8478]

This man has no filter with his music. He simply trusts and releases what's deep in his heart. It's so beautiful to listen to. It's his very soul released through music.

[@TD-np6ze]

Like this version much better than original!! (Lennon & McCartney were simply a place in time:. Talented, yes -- but neither as talented as they were full of themselves; never giving credit to how much of "their music" was plainly appropriation of American R&B!!!)

[@staceykucan3686]

I JUST found this amazing artist! Keith Jarrett channels from an ethereal place also.

[@tomkeefe46]

@@TD-np6ze Yeah. Tomorrow Never Knows, I Am The Walrus and A Day In The Life were total rip-offs. JFC. And the Beatles always gave credit to the music that inspired them.

[@mustafa1name]

@@TD-np6ze They were showmen, but suggesting they were more show than talent reveals more about you than them. They were completely open about their influences - all heard on vinyl as they never saw any of the acts until Little Richard came to Liverpool. Buddy Holly was a big one, Chuck Berry they played throughout- you can hear it on the Get Back movie, and on recordings from Hamburg, and they obviously covered him on albums. Both are regularly mentioned by McCartney in interviews, They also covered the Miracles, and covered songs in their live set by early US girl groups too. Lennon had little to do with this song, it was composed by McCartney and contrary to your musically illiterate generalization, like most of their later songs, it is stunningly original and oozes talent. If people as diverse as Jon Batiste and Beyonce are still covering it, when it is (nearly) 64, maybe you need to recalibrate?

[@humberto974]

​@@TD-np6zethey still were pionners of modern recordings and were always good at finding beautiful melodies.

[@aquamarine99911]

Now THIS is how you do a Beatles cover. Adapt the song to a different instrument, mess with the chord changes a little, take an impressionistic approach to the lyrics. And inject some pure emotion. Fabulous.

[@Research0digo]

The Beatles' cover was acoustic guitar? I forget so much now days. It sucks. I think I remember... steel strings, huh?

[@davidd6218]

Opinions vary

[@anonUK]

@@Research0digo It isn't a cover if you write it yourself.

[@bobdole4916]

And he establishes that he actually knows the song by playing the melody on the piano in the beginning. Definitely interesting.

[@bobdole4916]

@@tbloopner Nope, the Beatles wrote the original. This is a cover. His *arrangement* is original, but not the song - which is why it's still classified as a cover. Tons of covers have original arrangements.

[@alexstone8888]

500 folks gave this a thumbs down. Really? I will pray for their souls. This was absolutely beautiful. Juillard's own Jon Batiste... thank you.

[@eduffy7424]

It boggles the mind that anyone would give a 'thumbs-down' to this musical genius; a man like this comes to us maybe once in a decade; bravo Jon. xox

[@JillShaw]

For real. I cannot fathom disliking this.

[@daryllaumann5132]

Another great musician out of New Orleans! The city is full of them. Jazzfest showcases them.

[@dethdance4109]

While I agree with you and that this rendition is stunningly beautiful I also think that each type or piece of music isn’t meant for everyone. How boring the world would be I’d we all - literally - liked exactly the same thing all of the time. Think of all the wonderful genres of music, the different flavors and types of cuisine and all the different types of programming one can watch, listen and participate in. This rendition of the classic Beatles song is indeed beautiful and moving.

[@leojbramble]

@@dethdance4109 It's one thing to pass by something that doesn't move you; it's another to actively dislike a piece of beautiful instrumental music like this, and another thing yet to take the time to actively express said dislike.

[@carolmiller5713]

This has to be one of the most beautiful & excellent versions ever of a song that is beautiful in its original minimalist simplicity. Jon’s opening was flat out magical.

[@jillkobeissi3103]

Go ahead and say it. It is the greatest interpretation of this song. Sir Paul would agree

[@666Susie]

Never commented before, but this is a go-to song for me when I want to feel a "haunting" rendition of "Blackbird". I think that Jon is a real "citizen of the world", while being a "favorite son" of Louisiana, and being nothing short of a brilliant musician! Love you, Jon!❤

[@teritrip-tm9ui]

Flawless!!

[@debbieturner5318]

Thank you, John for this beautiful rendition of Blackbird. It was played at my brother’s funeral a few weeks ago... it was very appropriate, as I play piano and he loved music, especially The Beatles. We shared the love of listening to The Beatles growing up. But for him, who lived in shadows, in the dead of night, he was only waiting for the moment to arrive when he no longer was frustrated, when he no longer felt abandoned, when he was free to fly. He’s in heaven now, free from human tendencies. Thanking your God-given talent for inspiring me to see him off most appropriately. 🕊 RIP Tim.

[@lisamcmullan6484]

Thank you for making lockdown a great listening time

[@clarewillison9379]

❤️🕊❤️

[@roberthoover2456]

Beautifully said 🙏

[@dtschuor459]

So sorry for the loss of your brother. It's heartening for you to share his suffering and release in such a poetic and moving way. Much love for you and your family.

[@gailremp8389]

Your loss is our loss. Thank you so much for sharing your pain. I realize it's been quite some time but I just saw this tonight. February 7, 2021. I have a theory that when we share pain with others it cuts our own pain in half. Sounds good sometimes. But I know that your brother was loved. And that's what's more critical and more important than anything else. So I'm glad that this particular rendition also gave you some peace of mind and peace in your heart. Gail in Central Florida.

[@pammdodsondodson7700]

I wondered why I hadn't seen this before, since I seldom miss an episode of Colbert. Then I saw the date. Four days before my husband passed away. He was in the hospital then ... He would have loved this every bit as much as I do.

[@AZmom60]

I'm so sorry for your loss

[@lauragn4300]

Pam? Jon Batiste played this for your husband and you💗💖

[@lilatravelpartners]

Sorry for your loss.... Mine wasb20 yrs ago.. Still cuts thru suddenly.. Live on

[@solexxx8588]

The internet sucks. Deal with your shi^.

[@Rowbearb]

sending you peaceful thoughts. Hopefully he has flown away to a place of tranqquility. I also love this version of blackbird.

[@terryrich7235]

Batiste really understands those 12 notes inside & out. A musical genius.

[@obrie0137]

Beautifully composed. The opening is so much like a bird that doesn’t know a song is being written and performed about them. Man, you are a treasure.

[@pamelabennett1492]

He is one of the geniuses of our times! His musical talent is almost beyond belief in its purity of expression, capture of timeless moments.

[@hollybean389]

So Beautiful..

[@liloldme1210]

Don't you mean beautifully arranged?

[@eileeno2947]

@@liloldme1210 indeedy

[@TheTilly65]

Well, the Beatles are , they composed it

[@elliesings9508]

I wanna cry. I am crying. God bless you for playing this so well. So beautiful. My ancestors, my grandparents, their Great Migration to the north "...waiting for this moment to arise..." It took them sneaking out of Mississippi in the dead of night, to go north. To work hard. To get success from working hard. Something that would've been and had been denied to them in the South. Love this song!! My history

[@jocelynjohnston8257]

What a lovely story of such great strength and courage! You must be so proud.

[@cruisepaige]

💕❤️💕

[@coldwinter5710]

You should be SO proud of them, as you clearly are. Brings tears to my eyes to think of their struggles.

[@heatherbeck9510]

That was really beautifully put.

[@selah228]

AMEN

[@MMGARC]

Jon Batiste, you have honored the Beatles in the most wonderful way as you played, "Blackbird". It was brilliant and beautiful as well. Thank you for this moment.

[@1Airwaving]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@daivyakapadia7578]

Truly yess

[@user-gy5qb9mc9u]

John’s energy is pure light & love. His musical genius is beyond exceptional. We saw him last night at Bourbon & Beyond. My husband & I will continue to see his shows as we walk away on cloud 9!

[@froodoftheforest]

His phrasing in the introduction picked up my cold heart on the wings of a bird and soared over the canopies of a rainforest, then set me safely back down again in the sunshine... Where I wept... remembering in my cells for the first time in an age what beauty can really feel like.

[@lucasbriggs6053]

Geez write a book already.

[@cynthiahutchins1584]

I think that true musicians are just having a passionate love affair with their gift, we are just accidental observers(and oh so lucky)

[@Research0digo]

Wonderfully put. :)

[@barbaraharney3050]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXrQmZSrZ6agjNE

[@mizpahboy7513]

So digging your comment

[@volgawolfhounds741]

Teeheehee. You are right. We are. Teeheehee.

[@coldwinter5710]

Touche!

[@pam0626]

Stephen Colbert is lucky to have Jon Baptiste.

[@mrjules1982]

There are so many little instances of Jon's brilliance on the show.... the way he introduces a guest... or the tiny samples he'll play during the monologue (seemingly a promptu).... It'll pass you by if you don't pay attention, but he is the best musical support any late-night show host could wish for. I'm sure Stephen is very aware of this.

[@gregghanson6095]

@Ashlyn art I don't think Colbert realized who and what he is at all.

[@candicewilmore]

@@gregghanson6095 Colbert spent time with him in NOLA before hiring. I think he knew. Give Colbert some of the credit!

[@gregghanson6095]

@@candicewilmore didn't know that.On the show, Colbert seems completely out of touch with him.

[@72marshflower15]

I remember when the late show first started, everyone hated John’s interjections and piano parts, and I defended the shit out of that guy... Glad I did..

[@peggyburke7800]

Surely God looks down from Heaven when this man performs and smiles what an amazing performer and talent

[@georgeknopp3164]

One of the most exquisite live performances of a song I've ever heard!

[@TheDevnul]

I think this what what happens when your soul guides your hands.

[@debraalswager9528]

Love that comment ❤

[@Sweetlyfe]

So beautiful

[@jasonlin4307]

What a coincidence that he provided the piano music for Pixar's Soul!

[@lauriesuzanne8848]

Amen! Perfectly well stated(:

[@cynthiawhite8868]

Errok@@Sweetlyfe

[@ZosimoLee]

Jon Baptiste makes music from his soul. Beautiful and moving.

[@michelesherman5660]

Yes he dose

[@bobsmith6544]

Well, it does help me take a dump.

[@michelesherman5660]

@@bobsmith6544 thank you for your view of music. Have a nice day. Please do me the honor of listening to any, or all music you have had recorded for sale.

[@bobsmith6544]

@@michelesherman5660 If you need help taking a dump perhaps you should "dose" loser! LMAO

[@aidenvideos499]

It's not his song.

[@lorimiller7835]

Jon Batiste's performance is a phenomenal mix of classical, jazz, blues and spiritual. His music never fails to pull on my heartstrings. I have always loved this Beatles song, but Jon is a true story teller of human strife and rise to grace, evoking pure emotion.

[@sametarush2728]

Jon Batiste is one of the greatest musicians, composers and performers of all time. Thank you for this tribute with your beautiful performance.

[@holliboulware6370]

He's almost unearthly with his talent

[@MatthewMurraycogswoth]

When you just know Jon as the music guy on the Colbert show but then you realize he is ridiculously talented, awesome man

[@dorothysmith6126]

Beautiful rendition of the classic. I might add this is what growing up and playing in New Orleans then going to Juilliard for a bachelor's and masters will do for you. Talent plus formal education takes it...

[@redtail59]

That's the most beautiful rendition of that song I've ever heard!

[@sarafernandez3712]

The piano was created to express what this performance expresses. Amazing!

[@sidilicious11]

The piano sounds so good!

[@thomasnelson5758]

I'll infinitely be jealous of this guy not just for his technical abilities but also for the genius way he arranges the songs he covers

[@carolmiller5713]

This one, I think especially comes from the heart. This version is more perfect, for me, than the original.

[@wcstrawberryfields8011]

Less is more, in this regard. All the weight of the years made bearable (sentimental!) with a counter-intuitively minimalist arrangement.

[@conancat]

Jon really should release more videos like this on KZbin, we need more of your music Jon!! That was absolutely beautiful!

[@CapSuperM]

Almost sounds like you think Jon wrote that song? :D

[@joilpoil93]

The new album is incredible

[@mookins45]

@@CapSuperM you'd call that derivative? few would agree

[@alexvasquez537]

Check out the show he hosted non Live From Here

[@leeannschaffer1433]

Absolutely *STUNNING* arrangement. My heart has exploded.

[@FIDIOT-cringe]

This has got to be one of the greatest moments of his life. You know he practiced and arranged this 1,000s of times starting the second he found out. He reminds me of Prince in the sense that he's more than a great musician, his entire being is music. Just breathtaking.

[@blawom]

Absolutely Beautiful!

[@MegaMinigo]

Now, you can see differences between piano player and artist on piano.

[@williamhenning4320]

What is the difference?

[@ryandunne4345]

@@williamhenning4320 the same difference there is between a cook and a chef

[@MorganBondelid]

both create suitable and effective end results but with more experience and discernment, there is more dimension and nuance in the result

[@SelfReflective]

@@williamhenning4320 If you don't feel it, I can't explain it to you. Like, what is beauty? What is blue?

[@recentral48]

This song is more relevant now than ever. So beautiful.

[@carmenyolandagreene3049]

Yes!

[@mariaangelelli]

Sí.

[@sinatra222]

Huh? It's way less relevant now than when it was written. Still a great song.

[@dominiquecamarastaff1899]

I can't WAIT to see him live!!!! Your Grammies are so well deserved Jon!

[@overlapmedia]

My god that was beautiful. Another minute and I'd be in tears. I really enjoy Sting's version, but this is another level. Bravo!

[@shinebabyshine.]

Jesus Christ he’s a master at his craft. I’m truly blown away

[@frankfiello7904]

This man is talented beyond description, a treasure that cannot be appreciated enough. Thank you Mr. Batiste for making life a little more enjoyable

[@joycekanner8528]

Again, the mighty Jon Baptiste performs with elegance and heart. Congratulations on all your Grammys JB!

[@cafinario]

This is how you perpetuate a gem from a different time, talent and courage.

[@johnathanpl]

Anybody ever wonder what emotions ‘sound’ like? Here you go!

[@aussieevonne7857]

Paul McCartney would bow down. This is an awesome treatment of his song. Mr JB, respect sir .

[@hjean6ugranger590]

Always in awe of this man’s talent

[@spunrequited]

Jon Batiste is music transformed into a human soul. Magnificent.

[@jesstay6634]

Oh, what a sublime moment. The stunning and inexplicable beauty of the human soul. This video, I think, shall be my answer to the question of why we still need the arts in school the next time I am asked. My 7yo old has not left the piano since she heard it. She was stirred by this inspiration. Thank you, Jon Batiste.

[@Liamnesque]

This is a civil rights anthem, well done

[@gentillygirl545]

I only recently learned that Paul McCartney wrote this in honor of black American women (birds, in British slang) going through the Civil Rights era here. I was proud of him for being so foresiteful on that front. Congratulations Jon!!

[@denisvalente6844]

@@gentillygirl545 The Beatles refused to play at segregated shows in the US too.

[@jamesdunn9714]

True, as ardent Beatles fans are well aware of.

[@lisareed5669]

Yes to both.

[@gaylesankey402]

LIAM LIAMESQUE I didn’t know that! Wow!

[@carolcaley6860]

No One has EVER Performed "Blackbird" as Beautifully as Jon Batiste.❤

[@tomrankin3893]

Check the Crosby Still & Nash version.

[@stephenbrown2266]

I think that my heart stopped and I simply absorbed music...thank you

[@mikem10481]

One of the most beautiful covers I've ever heard. From the heart and made it his own. Crying now😥

[@happy1831]

🥲🖤🕊 🤜🤛👏👏👏👏 🌹🌹🌹🙏🏻

[@isabellewhite3505]

I cried too!!

[@undeny]

He has a flawless connection with the piano.

[@maryward-eaton4361]

The lovely music that comes out of this man’s soul is mesmerizing. Wonderful interpretation of “Blackbird!” I always wanted to hear more of his artistry on “Late Night” but I’m sure the time was tight with monologue and guests. Jon was a special treat for the audience. Congratulations to him on his well-deserved Grammys, especially Album of the Year, and his marriage to such a beautiful, talented writer & artist as she fights for her health with leukemia and a bone marrow transplant. Such wise, loving young people.

[@annkramer3704]

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you, Jon Batiste and thank you, Stephen Colbert for posting this.

[@mrsamaior]

Met him at Montreux Jazz Festival! Just a regular guy, playing piano... as the greatest artists are! Again with Quincy Jones 2 years later in the same place in a memorable evening with the late Al Jarreau and many more! Jon is one of the finest and more talented musician I ever met.

[@MsForetold]

When a beautiful take on a song makes you realize how brilliant the original is... Thank you, Jon Batiste!

[@alanpayne7656]

💯

[@wandaradowski2058]

John is the most amazing musician of the decade! Please give him the recognition he deserves. He deserves his own show!

[@charlenemack7040]

I’m back November 6, 2023. I absolutely love this song. Thank you Jon 😊❤

[@RobCarrollMusic]

dude can play the keys goddamn

[@abdimalikghost6647]

How about this gentleman instead of dude?

[@lyricbot8513]

Abdimalik Ghost way to create controversy over nothing

[@DanButcher303]

Abdimalik Ghost this chick can really do it !!!

[@snidelywhiplash]

@Abdimalik Ghost How about "brother?" Not in the clichéd "brotha" sense (though that may apply here too), but in the sense that he is a man of goodwill who bleeds red, and is therefore my brother, and yours, and all men's.

[@DeGrate-bb5bo]

Snidelywhiplash: Beautifully said! You seem improperly named. How does HumanelyGracefulWhiplash sound?

[@h-mh93]

His talent and brilliance is not appreciated enough during the TV show - but here it finally shines bright!

[@SomeDaysYoureBarbra]

I know of nothing so close to magical as watching/listening to a master plying their craft. It's an emotional experience. Watching Jon Batiste perform is one of those experiences. What a gift that we are able to see it.

[@gloriabriere2619]

Jon allows us to truly fly away upon the wings of his precious gift of music. Thank you, Jon. ❤

[@dashiellgregory]

I just love his face as he plays it shows such focus and love I respect him greatly

[@sandoggg]

it's really cool to see him like this after knowing what a playful silly guy he is while stephen is on stage

[@MyRedPony1]

Note his closed eyes and posture. That's what happens when you go to Julliard. Love, love, love Jon Batiste.

[@dreamabouchat5338]

I must have went to Julliard. I call that the spirit of the music taking you over. This is beautiful.

[@AuskaDezjArdamaath]

MyRedPony1 that’s got nothing to do with Juilliard.

[@1Dubbelman]

The posture maybe, but Jon Batiste is probably mostly the result of New Orleans' and by that extent Louisiana's musical heritage and history. New Orleans is the birthplace of so many of the US' most important musical genres and innovations. Its black+Caribbean musical traditions are still alive and kicking in spite of hurricanes, poverty, government corruption and a long history of racist oppression. Check out some New Orleans stuff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d36qlqqjesZjmaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6CkhmuDj5aEoZo kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2eVooeifcusjas kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZqTlH-af6iaiqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYTchaSdZayCZ5Y

[@victorhyman268]

Yes noticed the posture

[@treyrader]

What happens when you come from the Baptiste family of New Orleans more like it. Julliard was lucky to have em

[@SusiFroggyPorter]

Jon is so beautiful. In this performance you can just feel his relaxing flow. Gives me joy.

[@stephwillson7161]

Wow, what a performer!!! The love with which he caresses those keys is just emotional to the observer.... Then the voice.....respect, sir.

[@mrmockatoo6786]

Got here nearly four years late ...but what a sound, what an arrangement. Truly captivating. Beautiful, John.

[@snidelywhiplash]

I love watching his face. You can tell how much he truly feels the music, and how much he loves this song.

[@ryandunne4345]

I'm not into the metaphysical, but he has such a positive aura, he glows!

[@snidelywhiplash]

@@ryandunne4345 5 Grammys later, you couldn't be more correct. The man is a national treasure.

[@joannepike4712]

I've just found this. It's so beautiful. One of the most moving performances I've ever seen. Listening to it over and over

[@BEINGOOD77]

I can't decide what I like more. His dancing, singing, style or of course... That be-autiful Smile. Even better... He's a big ❤️🎵🎵🎵

[@TheSpread1]

He's considered a top 5 piano player in the world, so there's that.

[@jazz4randall]

First time listening to Mr. Batiste. Excellent.

[@lisareed5669]

You hear him every night on The Late Show?

[@deelzebub1213]

Grew up in the jazz clubs of New Orleans, then attended Julliard Conservatory for classical piano training.

[@denisefallin8042]

He has some fantastic music out. Musical genius

[@swoop8047]

That half step down on "learn to fly" slays me... It ain't easy being green.

[@brettgroh1112]

Jon, what a beautiful soul God gave you. Thank you for this performance.

[@joshbrodt]

I, um… I’m actually crying watching this. My mother taught me this song on her guitar which she gave me. I practiced for hours in order to get the fingerpicking just right. But when I was just messing around with it, I would play in a rhythm similar to how Batiste plays it here at times, but nowhere near as well. His is a hauntingly fabulous rendition, and we are blessed to have it. My grandmother, my mom’s mother, just passed away on Monday night. I pray she flew gently into that good night and that she landed in heaven where, by God’s grace, I will join her one day.

[@shodapad07]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of your mum. My condolences ❤

[@mewithoutyoul]

Wow. Turned blackbird upside down. Genius cover.

[@neetincleats]

This is now the only version of this on KZbin! Such a great great rendition.

[@SmittyWolf1]

There are several versions of this song.

[@luiscuypers38]

Smitty Wolf, There are several songs on youtube. What's your point? He was referring to this being the only version of this performance.

[@SmittyWolf1]

Was he?

[@ndgoliberty]

but this is jon.................................................................

[@TomCatFromMA]

Get Freemake Video Converter. Trust me. No nags. Will turn this audio into mp3 in about one minute. I've used it for years. FREE. Make sure you opt out of suggested freeware as you install. Also creates other formats.

[@altanzayad5381]

Marvelous! Congratulations for winning 5 Grammies, Jon! ❤️🙏

[@bluewaters3100]

So incredibly beautiful. Tears in my eyes. John is an amazing musician and human being.

[@leannemcnally6484]

Beautiful. Hard to do a Beatles song, let alone make it yours. Bravo. I have tears in my eyes.

[@brockwhitfield4529]

I get chills every single time I hear this. Absolute magic.

[@markschafer1828]

Brock Whitfield indeed....chills and tears...

[@cherylcurvan1868]

@@markschafer1828 Absolutely beautiful.

[@bonnieikamas1201]

Goosebumps...🌹

[@davidsiffer4374]

Nearly brought me to tears, it takes real talent to take another persons song, complete change it, and have it still turn out just as good if not better. Beautiful rendition that you could tell came from his heart.

[@charlenemack7040]

KZbin just automatically put this one on my tablet and it’s playing and I love it and I’ve watched it 10 15 times in the last two years. I miss you John Baptiste on Stephen Colbert show. I hope your beautiful lovely wife is healthy and you also. 😊❤

[@admiralackbar4487]

I love how he closes his eyes throughout the performance. Symbolizing that music is truly art of the ears and not the eyes

[@charliewimmer1417]

Admiral Ackbar bhbjmm**

[@serteres32]

Looove the intensity without sentimentalism of his performance. So real and so elegant.

[@debbiedecker5728]

This man is amazing, this is one of my favorite Beatles tunes, his version is one I'm happy to have had the privilege of hearing..Bravo...

[@ruthblackman4050]

Beautiful, beautiful. Just what I needed to hear this morning, five years after it was presented. Thank you, Jon Batiste.

[@hibryd7481]

He got inside that song and did something to it. Just beautiful.

[@joshuadepenbrock7913]

One of the most beautiful things I experienced in my life so far. I got chills and wet eyes. Greetings from Germany!

[@1Airwaving]

💐💐🌲

[@bobhelland447]

I cannot listen to this without crying. I am truly honored to be living when I can witness such beauty, feeling, talent, and love for music. Jon is truly something special. There's a true magic about him. Just beautiful.

[@joebridges3165]

I couldn't stop the rain from falling on my face. So deep is the sound of this soul.

[@rainbow72878]

I love hearing the piano played so beautifully. Ahhhhhh...

[@aaronlorinchack1942]

This is beyond beautiful and so moving. I’ve heard it all my life. My soul heard this for the first time like this. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.

[@ozlemguler4324]

Perfect words.

[@sharonhoerr6523]

OH my, just Wow! Jon is so very gifted and he's love of music glows through his performances.

[@jdhutchinson506]

Heart-wrenching, beautifully tragic, and joyful. Jon is a once in a hundred years talent.

[@quinnnguyen115]

This. this! Is my new favorite version of Blackbird. This needs to be soundtrack music, asap.

[@GreenDragon11]

Quinn Nguyen Yep 👍!!

[@iammilorex]

What did you think of Thunderstorm Artis' version?

[@mrbigg151]

@@iammilorex I hadn't heard of him until reading your comment...that young man has talent running thru his veins! After hearing his audition I was in awe. These two versions are different, yet take you on a journey while you enjoy the beauty of the music.

[@mcgill336]

This is so needed right now ...

[@trina-ramonajackson6058]

Some people learn to play an instrument, and some people are music.

[@larrybauerski]

brilliant insight. thanks!

[@martham9980]

Such a beautiful performance, and from here in mid-2021 I am so thankful to have had both of these sweet souls carry us through the last 1.5 years.

[@surfzion]

How those 4 young boys from Liverpool could have brought so much beauty to this world of ours ? Decades later we are still getting emotional with these tunes. Beautiful interpretation by Jon Batiste.

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

By my count the Beatles had 90 songs that will stand the test of time. Amazing!

[@carolmiller5713]

Jon is a true artist who uses his talents to make the world a more beautiful & special place. I’m so glad he shares his exceptional talents with the rest of us.

[@1Airwaving]

@@carolmiller5713 Yes!!

[@musicfanBRA]

Yes! And this exquisite song is pure Paul McCartney

[@maxhalley]

That constant key makes this epic

[@parism555]

It’s called a “pedal tone”

[@maxhalley]

@@parism555 Back listening to this again three years later. Do you have any other good examples of songs with the "pedal tone"?

[@lochlancowles568]

@@maxhalley a lot of classical music uses a pedal note. I'm sure that if you look it up you'll find some examples. There are so many songs out there

[@andreaspraefcke6638]

A pedal tone is a long low note like on an organ pedal, i. e. in the bass, that is held even when the harmony of the rest of the piece would require another note at some point. This here may be described as an "inverted pedal tone" or "internal pedal tone": not in the bass. A classic example for such a note with similar constant repetitions is Chopin's "Raindrop Prelude"; other famous one's are Ravel’s "Le Gibet" from "Gaspard de la Nuit" and Debussy’s "Voiles" . Another word for it is "drone", but usually this is rather used with a non-changing chord.

[@maxhalley]

@@andreaspraefcke6638 Andreas, thanks. I really appreciate the in depth description. I've always loved repetitive drone music and there's something so powerful about the continuous, repetitive note played over a melody. It brings a whole different dimension to the piece. Your comment has influenced my next playlist The Pedal Tone. If you think of any more, please add them here.

[@hollymelville462]

I remember when this originally aired - I was blown away. LOVE Jon Batiste!

[@francehare2070]

My heart is in love with this rendition. Beautifully done.