music
April 26, 2026
'I don’t believe in song shaming!': Jon Batiste’s honest playlist
The acclaimed musician and former late night bandleader loves everything from Amyl and the Sniffers to Erykah Badu. So why can’t he stand Steely Dan?
TL;DR
- Jon Batiste's early musical education came from family, including jazz from his uncle and songs his father played.
- He bought his first singles from Blockbuster's used CD bin, including albums by Michael Jackson, Björk, Erykah Badu, and Common.
- Batiste can no longer listen to Steely Dan's "Reelin' in the Years" due to playing it hundreds of times during his tenure on The Late Show.
- "When the Saints Go Marching In" is a significant song for Batiste, having played it at his grandmother's funeral and wishing it to be played at his own.
- He finds Bach's "Air on the G String" to be a profoundly emotional piece that makes him cry.
- Batiste enjoys punk music, specifically mentioning Amyl and the Sniffers, and does not believe in "song shaming."
- His morning playlist includes Coldplay's "Don't Panic," Art Tatum's "Body and Soul," and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."