Jon Batiste, born Jonathan Michael Batiste on November 11, 1986, in Metairie, Louisiana, USA, is an American musician, composer, singer, songwriter, bandleader, and television personality. A multi-instrumentalist known for his versatility in jazz, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop, Batiste has collaborated with music legends like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, and Ed Sheeran.
Batiste rose to national fame as the bandleader and musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015–2022). He is also an Academy Award, Grammy Award, and Golden Globe winner, notably winning an Oscar for the Pixar film Soul (2020) and Album of the Year at the 2022 Grammys for We Are.
In 2025, Batiste remains one of the most influential musicians, recently winning a Grammy for Best Music Film (American Symphony, 2025) and performing the National Anthem at Super Bowl 59.
This article covers Jon Batiste’s net worth, career, early life, relationships, height, weight, and many lesser-known facts.
Jon Batiste Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Michael Batiste |
| Stage Name | Jon Batiste |
| Profession | Singer, Composer, Bandleader, TV Personality |
| Hometown | Metairie, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 38 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Years Active | 1998–present |
| Genres | Jazz, R&B, Soul, Pop, Hip-Hop |
| Labels | Verve, Concord, Disney Music Group |
| Spouse | Suleika Jaouad (m. 2022) |
| Notable Awards | Academy Award, Grammy Awards, Golden Globe |
| Website | jonbatiste.com |
Early Life and Career
Early Life & Education
Jon Batiste was born into the legendary Batiste family, a New Orleans jazz dynasty. His relatives include Lionel Batiste (Treme Brass Band) and Milton Batiste (Olympia Brass Band).
Batiste started playing drums and percussion with his family’s band at age 8. At 11, he switched to the piano, teaching himself by transcribing video game music from Street Fighter and Final Fantasy.
- Attended St. Augustine High School & New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
- Released his first album Times in New Orleans (2005) at age 17
- Graduated from Juilliard School (BM in 2008, MM in 2011)
- Performed internationally by age 20, including at Carnegie Hall
Career Highlights
Early Music Career (2005–2015)
- 2005: Released Times in New Orleans
- 2011: Founded Stay Human, a band known for its “Love Riot” street performances
- 2013: Released Social Music, which topped the jazz charts
- 2014: Appeared in HBO’s Treme and Spike Lee’s film Red Hook Summer
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015–2022)
- Became bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015–2022)
- Performed with Billy Joel, Will Smith, John Legend, Nas, and Wynton Marsalis
- Left The Late Show in 2022 to focus on his solo career
Film Scores & Major Success (2020–Present)
- 2020: Composed the Oscar-winning soundtrack for Pixar’s Soul (won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy)
- 2021: Released We Are, winning Album of the Year at the 2022 Grammys
- 2023: Released World Music Radio, a concept album featuring Lana Del Rey, Lil Wayne, and JID
- 2025: Won Best Music Film Grammy for American Symphony
Family and Relationships
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Suleika Jaouad | Wife (married in 2022) |
| David Gauthier (Grandfather) | Civil Rights Activist & Union Leader |
| Lionel Batiste | Treme Brass Band Member |
| Russell Batiste Jr. | Jazz Drummer |
Batiste married Suleika Jaouad, a best-selling author and cancer survivor, in February 2022. The couple kept their marriage private while she battled leukemia.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | None |
Jon Batiste Net Worth and Income Sources (2025)
As of 2025, Jon Batiste’s estimated net worth is $8 million.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Sales | Albums, Streaming, and Digital Downloads |
| Concerts & Tours | World Tours & Live Performances |
| TV Appearances | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert |
| Film Scores | Soul (2020), American Symphony (2023) |
| Brand Partnerships | Endorsements & Collaborations |
Lesser-Known Facts About Jon Batiste
- He transcribed video game music as a child to learn piano.
- He was Grand Marshal of the 2018 Endymion Parade in New Orleans.
- He is a Catholic and openly discusses his faith.
- He played the National Anthem at Super Bowl 59 (2025).
- He created the Stay Human band to bring joy to random places.
- He has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The White House.
- He worked on the Beethoven Blues (2024) album, blending jazz with classical music.
- He is one of the few African-American musicians to win Album of the Year at the Grammys.
- He has been featured in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2022).
- He has scored multiple films, including Soul and American Symphony.
FAQs About Jon Batiste
Q: What is Jon Batiste’s biggest song?
A: His most famous songs include “Freedom,” “I Need You,” and “It’s All Right” (from Soul).
Q: How many Grammys has Jon Batiste won?
A: He has won 6 Grammys, including Album of the Year for We Are (2022).
Q: What is Jon Batiste’s net worth in 2025?
A: Approximately $8 million.
Q: Who is Jon Batiste’s wife?
A: He is married to Suleika Jaouad, an author and cancer survivor.
Q: What is Jon Batiste’s latest album?
A: Beethoven Blues (2024).
Conclusion
Jon Batiste is a trailblazing musician who blends jazz, soul, and pop. With an Oscar, Grammy Awards, and a growing legacy, he remains a powerhouse in the music industry.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
