Jon Batiste, the Grammy-winning artist and Oscar winner, is set to bring his unique jazz roots to the stage as he performs the national anthem at Super Bowl LIX this weekend. Batiste, who is deeply connected to his hometown of New Orleans—the birthplace of jazz—shared that he will “definitely” lean into his musical heritage during the performance. For him, every opportunity to showcase his craft is also a chance to represent the vibrant culture of New Orleans, a city that has shaped his artistic identity. Batiste expressed his excitement about the gig, but he also acknowledged that it comes at a “very interesting” time in the United States. Speaking at the grand opening of his Jazz Club at the Baha Mar resort in Nassau, he reflected on the complexities of performing such an iconic and symbolic song in the current cultural climate.
Batiste emphasized that performing the national anthem is not just about the music itself but also about the deeper meaning and representation behind it. He wants people to consider what an anthem truly signifies and what it means to sing such a song. For him, it’s about reflecting the best of who we are as a society, while also acknowledging the conflicts and evolving interpretations that such symbols can evoke. Batiste finds himself drawn to the kind of situations that are “fraught” with complexity, and he sees this performance as an opportunity to navigate that space thoughtfully. At a recent Super Bowl press conference, he reiterated that music has the power to communicate deep, profound truths, which is exactly what he hopes to convey through his rendition of the anthem.
Batiste’s approach to the national anthem is both respectful and innovative. He has a history of adding his own unique flair to performances, as seen during the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, where he opened with a 25-second piano solo before singing. This time, he shared that his inspiration will come from a deeply personal place—his late grandfather, who was part of the first wave to integrate the Navy at just 17 years old. Batiste credits his grandfather as one of the foundational influences in his life, embodying the ideals of service, resilience, and aspiration that the national anthem represents. He hopes to channel the spirit of his grandfather and others who have inspired him, making the performance not just about himself, but about something much larger.
The musician admitted that he might get emotional during the performance, as he thinks about the people in his life who have exemplified the values he believes the anthem should stand for. For Batiste, the national anthem is not just a song; it’s a symbol of hope and unity, and he wants his performance to reflect that aspirational spirit. At the same time, he acknowledged that the anthem, like many other national symbols, has evolved over time, with its meaning and interpretation shifting across generations. He believes that both the song and the country it represents are constantly changing, yet they remain grounded in their core ideals. This duality of evolution and consistency is something he hopes to capture in his performance.
Batiste’s performance at Super Bowl LIX comes at a significant moment in American history, where discussions about identity, unity, and the meaning of national symbols are more relevant than ever. He sees his role as an artist not just to entertain, but to spark reflection and dialogue. By bringing his jazz roots to the anthem, he is, in a way, bridging the past and the present, celebrating the rich musical heritage of New Orleans while also addressing the complexities of the current cultural landscape. It’s a delicate balance, but one that Batiste is well-equipped to handle, given his deep understanding of music’s power to transcend and unify.
In the end, Batiste’s performance of the national anthem is set to be a moment of both celebration and contemplation. As he takes the stage to kick off the highly anticipated game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, he will be joined by another musical powerhouse, Kendrick Lamar, who will headline the halftime show. Together, these two artists represent the diverse and vibrant cultural landscape of America, and their performances are sure to leave a lasting impression. For Batiste, it’s not just about the music—it’s about the story it tells, the people it honors, and the ideals it represents. With his unique blend of tradition, innovation, and heart, he is ready to deliver a performance that will resonate far beyond the football field.
