Jon Batiste, a seven-time Grammy winner in music and composition, has released his latest album, “Big Money,” which debuted last Friday, showcasing his influence on Americana music. The album includes notable collaborations with artists such as Andra Day and No I.D. One standout track is a soulful rendition of Ray Charles’s “Lonely Avenue,” featuring the legendary Randy Newman.
Batiste, in an interview with guest host Garvia Bailey on “Q,” revealed his long-standing admiration for Newman, dating back to his childhood when he first encountered Newman’s work in the Pixar film “Toy Story” with the song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Their collaboration was initiated through a spontaneous cold call.
Describing himself as the “king of cold calls,” Batiste expressed his reverence for musical veterans and the importance of acknowledging their cultural contributions directly. He highlighted the shared interests he has with Newman, including scoring for Pixar films, mutual admiration for Ray Charles, a love for piano, and a strong connection to New Orleans, Batiste’s hometown.
The collaboration between Batiste and Newman evolved from discussions to hanging out and eventually jamming together. Newman, inspired by Batiste, began singing again during their sessions. Capturing Newman’s revitalized creativity, Batiste recorded with the music legend in a relaxed setting, aiming to preserve Newman’s newfound inspiration.
Reflecting on the experience, Batiste emphasized the significance of the blues in American culture, considering it a distilled representation of the nation’s identity in musical form. He underscored the universal appeal of the blues, transcending borders and influencing various music genres worldwide. The collaboration between Batiste and Newman on the blues track pays homage to the traditions of Ray Charles, creating a multigenerational artistic expression.
The complete interview with Jon Batiste can be accessed on our YouTube channel and podcast, “Q with Tom Power,” for listeners to enjoy and follow on their preferred podcast platforms.