60 Minutes Transcript: Jon Batiste
October 11, 2026 / 7:00 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Jon Batiste is a virtuoso musician who blends genres like classical, blues, jazz, folk, and pop to create "social music" aimed at uniting people.
- He orchestrated "love riots" in the New York City subway, transforming ordinary commutes into joyful, unifying experiences.
- Batiste draws inspiration from improvisation, often creating music spontaneously in the studio and during live performances.
- His career includes being the bandleader on "The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert, composing for Pixar's "Soul," and winning multiple Grammy and Emmy awards.
- Batiste's personal life has been marked by his wife Suleika Jaouad's ongoing battle with leukemia, which influences his music and outlook on life, emphasizing gratitude amidst hardship.
- Despite being an introvert, Batiste finds his calling in music, using it as a vessel to connect with and uplift others.