After seven iconic years as bandleader, Jon Batiste bid farewell to Stephen Colbert’s Late Show, embarking on a remarkable path defined by Grammy and Oscar wins, a new album, “Big Money,” and a reflective tour, proving his musical genius transcends any single platform.
The landscape of late-night television, a renowned training ground for entertainment legends, witnessed a significant shift with the departure of one of its most celebrated musical talents: Jon Batiste. After seven years of enriching “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” with his vibrant energy and extraordinary musicianship, Batiste stepped away to pursue new artistic and personal endeavors, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the role of a late-night bandleader.
A Meteoric Rise: From Correspondent to Bandleader
Stephen Colbert himself, a protégé of Jon Stewart, carved his own path from correspondent on “The Daily Show” to hosting “The Colbert Report” and ultimately taking over “The Late Show” from David Letterman in 2015. It was at this pivotal moment that Jon Batiste and his band, Stay Human, became an integral part of Colbert’s new venture.
Batiste, already a noted artist, quickly became more than just a bandleader. His dynamic presence, improvisational brilliance, and genuine camaraderie with Colbert made him a beloved figure. He was a constant source of spiritual power and a key component in setting the show’s tone, often interacting with Colbert during monologues and participating in comedic segments. His role evolved significantly, even leading to non-musical check-ins with Colbert, demonstrating their deep personal connection both on and off camera.
The Announcement and a New Era for the Late Show Band
On August 11, 2022, Stephen Colbert announced Jon Batiste’s departure on “The Late Show,” noting that Batiste was leaving “for all the best reasons” to “pursue personal and professional interests.” Colbert publicly thanked Batiste for his seven years of work, jokingly inviting him back to promote his next record. Batiste himself was not present for the announcement, having been absent from the show since May 2022. During this time, he was caring for his wife, Suleika Jaouad, who is in remission from leukemia, a deeply personal reason for his career shift, as reported by Suleika Jaouad’s official website.
Stepping into the permanent role of bandleader was Louis Cato, an accomplished musician who had served as interim leader during Batiste’s absence. Colbert lauded Cato as a “musical genius” capable of playing “basically every instrument” and learning “Mozart on a shoehorn.” Cato, who has been with the show since its inception, has an impressive resume, having collaborated with artists such as Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, John Legend, and Talib Kweli. With Cato at the helm, the band was officially renamed “The Late Show Band,” transitioning from the previous “Stay Human” moniker.
A Resurgent Career: Awards, Albums, and Artistic Freedom
Batiste’s departure from late-night television coincided with a period of unparalleled artistic achievement. He earned an Academy Award in 2021 for Best Original Score for his work on the Pixar animated film “Soul,” sharing the Oscar with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, as detailed by Variety. The following year, 2022, saw him sweep the Grammy Awards, winning five out of eleven nominations, including the prestigious Album of the Year for his acclaimed record, “We Are.” This period of intense creative output demonstrated the profound impact of his newfound freedom.
His latest studio album, “Big Money,” released in August 2025, continues to showcase Batiste’s incredible musical diversity. The album delves into the heritage of roots music, featuring collaborations with legendary artists like Randy Newman and contemporary talents such as Andra Day and No ID. The album features deeply personal tracks like “Do it All Again” and “Lean on My Love,” which, as Batiste confirmed in an interview with USA Today, are inspired by his profound love for his wife, Suleika Jaouad.
Influences, Collaborations, and a “Circus of Love”
Batiste’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his admiration for musical pioneers and contemporary voices alike. He cites a diverse range of influences:
- Legends: Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan.
- Avant-Garde Classical: Caroline Shaw, Pierre Jordan, Alvin Batiste.
- Contemporary Artists: Jacob Collier, SZA, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift.
His recent work includes a powerful collaboration on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” with his song “American Requiem” opening her live shows. Batiste notes that this experience even inspired how he now performs the song on his own tour, transitioning into “Freedom.”
Currently, Batiste is captivating audiences on “The Big Money Tour” through October 2025, deliberately including smaller markets alongside major cities. He describes his shows as a “circus of love,” an ethos aimed at creating a unifying and uplifting experience for diverse audiences. This approach reflects his desire to connect with people on a deeper level, transcending political and ideological divides with the universal language of music, as stated on Jon Batiste’s official tour website.
The Broader Impact: Late-Night and Musicians
For fans and musicians alike, Batiste’s reflections on the “loss of that late-night platform for musicians” resonate deeply. He emphasizes that the band is the “spiritual power source” of these shows, chiefly creating the tone and spirit conveyed through the television screen. The diminishing role or outright cancellation of house bands in late-night programming represents a significant shift in cultural circulation, impacting the visibility and opportunities for talented instrumentalists and vocalists.
Jon Batiste’s journey exemplifies an artist refusing to be confined by any single role or genre. His seven years on “The Late Show” were undeniably foundational, providing him with a unique platform and honing his craft in a demanding, live television environment. Now, as a multi-Grammy and Oscar winner, acclaimed recording artist, and touring sensation, Batiste continues to inspire, proving that true talent finds its stage, whether in a late-night studio or on a global tour.
