Jon Batiste on performing from NOLA to Biden’s White House and growing up in music

Genre-defying music icon Jon Batiste joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber to discuss growing up in a legacy musical family, overcoming stage fright, the power of failure, why he put both Lil Wayne and Kenny G on his new album, and what it means for him to “love being myself in every room” in this extensive conversation with MSNBC’s Ari Melber for the newest installment of “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons. See more conversations with artists, musicians and cultural icons at msnbc.com/mavericks.
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#JonBatiste #AriMelber #MSNBC

[@heatherburnard1805]

Jon Batiste is a National Treasure!! Not just for his music but him as a person! Truly a gem of a human!!

[@rebeccabrockway8258]

Amen. You've expressed Jon Batiste's value perfectly:)

[@pamelabryant7390]

I totally agree🌹🎶💙

[@geminigirltwo]

I just love Jon. He’s an amazing musician.

[@ggbythesea9231]

Yesss .. what a Blessing 🕊🤲🏼

[@cynthiamarie2107]

Jon Batiste has such a bright light inside of him that the world shines better with his presence. Thank you for the joy and beauty and wisdom you give us. 👍👏👏👏👏

[@Backpack16]

That’s what music is: Joy, beauty, wisdom!

[@jrodayeoh]

Ari should win an award for being the best journalist. His approach to news and culture is truly unique!

[@Lisa-ef6zw]

Couldn't agree more! One of the most intelligent, broad minded journalist in the current arena.

[@lauradoxtater1301]

Thank you Ari, thank you Jon y’all have brightened my day ☀️

[@JasmineBrownOttawa]

I just love Jon Batiste so much. Can't wait for "Warm Ice Triple Entendre No Genre" to drop you guys 😆

[@shirleydowning9383]

I absolutely LOVE Jon and his spirit ❣️

[@brendacarmichael3180]

I love Jon Batiste and I love Ari Melber, two rare gems. Thanks for sharing this intelligent, inspiring, joyful interview.

[@workingtoseethelight8244]

I have been a fan of Jon's for many years, thanks for the music and the inspiration!

[@ketanjibrownsfavemolester7592]

Blacks have had YEARS 👈😳 to get jobs... Blacks should get jobs..

[@JGulliMusic]

Ari, You are the G.O.A.T. of journalism. Call me biased....its cool! You combine the most serious topics and musical culture with equal integrity, facts, and respect. Your level of journalism is unmatched. Thank you for sharing 🙌🏽 and God bless 🙏🏽!

[@gregstevenson292]

THANK YOU

[@lottasunshine1325]

If Jon Batiste's spirit could be bottled, I'd drink it everyday. His joy can heal.

[@leadoucet1432]

Oh my! This was the best interview with Jon Batiste. Congratulations to Ari and his team. Fabulous, both of them.

[@dixiedawnmillergoode6850]

Two men I respect so much. A delight to see you enjoying each others company and sharing it with us.

[@rachelrobinson2104]

The best interview I've ever seen! Ari is magic and Jon is love. Everyone should watch this!

[@max14jack]

Love you Ari and Jon Batiste. Thank you for having him on your program. He's an awesome performer and person. Really miss him on the Cobert Show. Hope his wife is doing well.

[@charlottetracy3970]

This came at the right time...Jon has been on my mind the last few weeks! Hoping he and his wife are doing well! Sending all love to them and to you Ari. Thanks for this!!

[@deborahwalker7406]

Me, too.

[@vedawattieram1974]

Since l happened upon Jon's music and the story of his precious wife, Suleika, l have been hooked! Inspirational!

[@julievalentine1586]

Jon Batiste is one of my "new to me" artists. Really enjoyed this interview. .Ari Melber is one of the best.

[@bernadetteramos1940]

Ari has the best talent and he’s an excellent interviewer I believe he’s into all aspects with these talented people . Ari is so cool. Especially when talking about Tupac,

[@pilargonzalez8442]

We Are is an absolute human craving Masterpiece ❤‍🔥 IF ONLY PEOPLE COULD BE MORE INTO MUSIC!!!!! Ari on 🔥🔥🔥❤‍🔥

[@Leel3ones89]

Still don't think I've recovered from Jon's abrupt departure from The Late Show. I needed this. One of the brightest shining and most positive people ever.

[@lbrenfro9904]

This interview put a smile on my face from beginning to end. Great interview! 🙂

[@Augmuse]

This man is an incredible musician and a for real human being MR.Batiste.

[@citizen_morgan7444]

... i am sorry, i am still stuck in music from 1983-2015 so i haven't heard of this young one, jon batiste, but after hearing this interview, i gotta lot of catching up on my music history! thanks ari for ALWAYS giving us GREAT interviews. c.peter morgan.

[@jedabenel2117]

Not only a gifted musician but also a profound philosopher. respect.

[@Student4Life0412]

We love Jon Batiste. This interview has been a great treat to watch. Thank you Ari🙏

[@donnasweidan]

Two of my favorite people igniting THE MOST EPIC conversation ever! AM and JB are rare gems! We have so much to be grateful for from these two magical humans! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 Thank you 🙏🏼

[@pdoylemi]

Jon is one of the few things I thank the pandemic for. Before that, I sometimes felt he was fake and even annoying as Colbert's "sidekick". But during the pandemic, I got to "know" him a lot better, and began to see that he was genuine and truly a fine person.

[@sistajoy]

Oh, Ari, your love for music and the arts just flows out of you each time I see you interview them. You have such warmth and love flowing forth, it touches us. Just as Jon Batiste saw your great light, we do too. Thank you for being so real. Also love your guest, Jon Batiste! He is such a gem and his light shines so brightly. What words of wisdom the two of you bring forth in this interview. It has really inspired me to keep on going with what I am called to do. Thank You and God Bless You Both!

[@margerybritton793]

So appreciate these young men!

[@albertawilliams4616]

This interview with Jon Batiste made my day. Thank you.

[@birdiel7182]

Two intellectuals; two Mavericks. Extraordinary!

[@onlyleslie5046]

Love this series!! - Jon!!! Home slice!! ⚜️⚜️⚜️- LOVE you!! 😎- you make us proud down in the Crescent 🥰 - Thank you Ari 🎉

[@marialeecarta7025]

One of the best interviews ever!❤❤❤

[@batgurrl]

Great start to a new season of Mavericks. Jon Batiste has a brilliant light within him that shines outward and he deserved the recognition. Ari, all those complementary things he said about Ari and his show were spot on and I was delighted to hear him say them. I understood that he needed to ‘move on’ but his presence and chemistry with Stephen Colbert was missed

[@susiealles5878]

What a great vibe! Love these two together.

[@lynemac2539]

Jon is glorious. And that coloring book shirt is magnificent!

[@acaciakoa2417]

That interview was epic, enlightening, endearing, and ear-stounding. Batiste is a Gift to us from God. Ari, you da man, with your encyclopedic references to Rap. You came prepared and Jon delivered authenticity. Snap!!!!

[@citizen_morgan7444]

...look at ari becoming a kid again in this interview. i can tell ari really appreciates the talent of the younger generation and the younger generation appreciates ari for shining a spot light on them in front of the world 🌍. that's what sets ari apart from all the rest! c.peter morgan.

[@LMFuqua]

Jon is such a beautiful and amazing human. I love his work and how real he is!

[@patriciaallen745]

Absolutely BRILLIANT!! Ari what a superlative compliment from Jon🥰💙🙏🏼

[@bernadettemcvicker3832]

What a fantastic interview. Jon Batiste is so pure. Ari, you ask such great questions, and you're one of the few journalists who actually lets your subject answer fully and to their own satisfaction.

[@naygirl334]

THANK YOU JON FOR PUTTING LOUISIANA ON THE MAP. SO MANY OF OUR ARTIST LOVE TO FORGET WHERE THEY CAME FROM, WHICH IS REALLY WHO THEY ARE. WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU.😊❤

[@claramitchell746]

This was awe-inspiring! First time for me! INCREDIBLE ARI!!!👌🏾

[@QuiltLady]

Fabulous, this is one of the most genuine men on this earth. I always love interviews with Jon Batiste, he always leaves me with food for thought. Thanks for this interaction between you both. You were having such fun. Loved the videos! Precious. ❤

[@yzolakitchi]

Such a beautiful soul with great passion for the world evident in all he does and says. Wonderful interview. Thanks, Ari 🤩

[@deborahdonin9192]

Love your music Jon. Miss you on Colbert.

[@IJayAmLegend]

Two good guys. 'Just to choose the piano', is amazing, John lives it.

[@glenndrake6172]

It's good! to see Jon back. He's a terrific talent. :-)

[@ketanjibrownsfavemolester7592]

Blacks have had YEARS 👈😳 to get jobs... Blacks should get jobs..

[@HaughtyRichTransGoddess]

​@@ketanjibrownsfavemolester7592report racism harassment bullying.....👈😎👉🥔💨💨💨

[@ketanjibrownsfavemolester7592]

@@HaughtyRichTransGoddess New "report"...👈😁.. 80 degrees and sunny AGAIN today...

[@mchristineoneill]

This conversation between Ari and Jon Baptiste blew me away. The inspiration of a genuine philosophical genius!

[@1969madame]

*Batiste

[@dianas514]

Jon Batiste is truly an amazing human! Thank you Ari for bringing us this phenomenal interview!

[@aj-yi6os]

You guys are so much fun to listen to. What sweet spirits you both seem to be. Love Mavericks❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lindamoon4255]

That was awesome! I could listen over and over again! So much!

[@carrieroberts4903]

Jon Batiste is not only my favorite musician but also my favorite human being…what a blessing to the world❤

[@hendihorlings2341]

I loved him on the Colbert show.

[@patriciajohnson6101]

Love Jon ! That Smile !

[@LightsOn128]

Love love love Jon Batiste. 💗

[@Backpack16]

Wow! Can’t wait for this album to drop. Lil Wayne, and Kenny G. Fireworks!

[@DeannaAKADeanna]

GREAT interview!!! (...and you both seemed to enjoy it, too.) I can't wait to hear his new record. When is PART TWO??????????

[@conniestevens3387]

I love this man's music!

[@mikmaqwoman]

Love this man so so much...what an amazing artist. Thanx AM for this interview

[@silva7493]

I L O V E Jon Batiste!!!

[@t-betty5497]

Love Jon’s 👕 Shirt!!!

[@tennyceb]

This is the way my America has of making us feel right at home 😊

[@maggiereeder7121]

Wicked good interview!

[@ceciliafedder6913]

Thank you Jon.

[@LindaAKeller]

I've loved Jon Batiste for years now but, Ari, I didn't see who you are until I saw this.

[@RobinZipporah]

That NOLA accent!!🎶🎵🎶🎵🌹

[@deannedflrocks5337]

Love this Jon is the hot fudge to Ari's homemade vanilla ice cream.

[@EricaGamet]

Excellent interview, Ari! Jon is amazing and the joy I feel watching and listening to him is immense. Can't wait for the collab album!

[@karmaisreal111]

Great interview, Ari.

[@chrishigh3858]

Absolutely love this fine analysis. Ty Jon for your vision and Ari for your outlet

[@MamaJanella]

Love Jon.

[@veetee6564]

A master class from both…

[@sandydee6692]

Fantastic, engaging, brilliant!👏🏾

[@martinprehn9353]

So good. Love the talk between these two. The word game at the end was epic. Thank you Jon and thank you Ari. This was a thing of beauty.

[@ileniepowell]

WOW, JUST WOW!!!❤

[@tennyceb]

A very good man!

[@ketanjibrownsfavemolester7592]

Great guy..👈🤔...wouldn't let his women butcher even one, of his kids... I love that "forced birther". .

[@ketanjibrownsfavemolester7592]

NICE HAIR...👈😁👍.. 😁👉 I mean, on your upper lip...

[@Americasinertia]

Unlike our current POTUS

[@b.t.2795]

​@@Americasinertia The evidence against Trump is insurmountable grandma. Introvert don't you have laundry to do? Must have plenty of dirty sheets that need cleaning grandma. 😬

[@aundreasmith4472]

What a gifted, unique, and talented young black man. He understands music and the culture of music. He knows it can be blessed to affect all people. Music transcends all people. His music is fantastic. His family background in music, formed his gift, and talent. God bless his gifts and talents. Thank you for encouraging other young people.

[@patterrill2699]

Marvelous-Thank You!

[@gerb3664]

I enjoyed the interview. I am sorry that I read any comments.

[@karmaisreal111]

It's not worthy to read the most. I second that. People do not know how to stop whining about everything and enjoy a bit of life. Pitiful.

[@Dingleberry777]

Newsome set to replace Joe in '24 election. (Joe's an utter disaster)

[@dsddala467]

I love Jon Batiste. I hope his wife is OK.

[@bruceolitzky450]

Spectacular interview.

[@denisemorton56]

Fantastic. Made me laugh, made me cry. Made me think. Thank you both.

[@jackstrubbe7608]

Excellent footage, great for breakfast to start my day.

[@judithmura495]

He's Beautiful inside and out!

[@ketanjibrownsfavemolester7592]

Great guy..👈🤔...wouldn't let his women butcher even one, of his kids... I love that "forced birther". ...

[@Americasinertia]

Too bad our current POTUS isnt

[@b.t.2795]

​@@Americasinertia Trump has been gone awhile ago Introvert. Don't you old spinsters have baking to do grandma?

[@b.t.2795]

​@@Americasinertia Trump has been gone awhile ago Introvert. Don't you old spinsters have baking to do grandma?

[@judithmura495]

@Americasinertia I hate to tell anyone "you're right about this one! When it comes to trump. Not Joe Biden (our star of hope for Democracy to survive) vote Blue and get every maga republican Racist, Fascist, Criminal, out of our Government Offices

[@janetschoentrup7342]

I would love to know the story behind Jon’s great, unique shirt!

[@djsutherland877]

I was back in school again. "Warm ice is just water". "Failure means more success". "Success means more failure", Wine is grape juice". "I thought it was over when.... NEVER." "I knew I made it when....NEVER." Now I regret not buying a ticket to hear Jon Batiste at Carnegie Hall. Ari, the collab was like watching an intense tennis match. A M A Z I N G!

[@CLB30ROX]

What an insightful interviewer! I need a full hour, or two of this. Amazing 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@steph8842]

Aw yay haven't seen him for a bit. I do pray his wife is doing better.

[@t-betty5497]

Great Interview!!!🎉🎉🎉❤

[@andrealouis-visser4973]

Ari Melber-new to me. Fresh air as an interviewing journalist. Thoughtful…love the combination of Ari and Jon-real people!!! We need people like this leading our country, right?!

[@tinay9491]

jon, will you please visit Colbert show soon - you are missed

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Jon Batiste is so inspiring and the relationship with his wife and their journey together is as well. Basquiat was an amazing artist, and I can't wait to see the film Jon is creating about him, his life and art. Thank you, Ari, for this great interview!

[@barbarabolandtizio4650]

Fabulous interview! Learned a lot! Thank you.

[@SoulSpirit1]

Bless Jon Batiste! An Amazing Human Being❣️🏆🙏

[@kandorstevenson]

What a wonderful interview. It helped me to discover more of Mr. Batiste, thank you⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@amitabhp666]

This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen.

[@mariefitzmaurice4341]

Such a beautiful man and beyond talented. Ari Melber was the perfect person to interview the iconic Jon Batiste.

[@jamierosezappolo319]

I think Mr Batiste is a national treasure. His talent is extraordinary and his peaceful character is inspiring❤️ 🎼❤️

[@madelinejones7791]

A Musical Genius! 🎼 🎶🎵💕💕💕

[@kjmax68]

Fantastic interview sent it to all my musical children - Jon is a giant among men