Jon Batiste’s Super Bowl Anthem Blends Music, Art, and Tribute/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jon Batiste’s Super Bowl national anthem performance was more than just a musical moment—it was a deeply personal and artistic statement. Playing a piano adorned with a butterfly painting by his wife, Suleika Jaouad, Batiste reimagined “The Star-Spangled Banner” with New Orleans influences while honoring resilience, creativity, and community. Following the performance, he released “My United State,” a two-track project featuring “Star-Spangled Blues” and “Notes from My Future Self.” Alongside his music, Batiste’s Love Riot Festival brought joy to New Orleans, cementing his commitment to uplifting his hometown.
Jon Batiste’s Super Bowl Performance: Quick Looks
- Batiste reimagined the national anthem, incorporating New Orleans’ iconic Triggerman beat from “Drag Rap” by The Showboys.
- His piano featured a butterfly painting by his wife, Suleika Jaouad, symbolizing resilience and transformation.
- Batiste debuted “My United State,” a two-track project featuring “Star-Spangled Blues” and “Notes from My Future Self.”
- The performance honored his late veteran grandfather and New Orleans’ strength after the recent New Year’s attack.
- Batiste’s Love Riot Festival in the 9th Ward spread music, art, and community impact before the Super Bowl.
- He will soon embark on a new concert tour, performing music from “Beethoven Blues” and his latest releases.
Jon Batiste’s Super Bowl Anthem Blends Music, Art, and Tribute
Jon Batiste’s Super Bowl Anthem: A Deep Look
A National Anthem with a Personal and Cultural Touch
At the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Jon Batiste took the stage not just as a performer but as a storyteller, weaving together music, personal history, and hometown pride.
Playing a piano adorned with a butterfly painting by his wife, Suleika Jaouad, Batiste reimagined “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a way never heard before. His version included samples from “Drag Rap” by The Showboys, commonly known as the Triggerman beat—a signature sound in New Orleans bounce and hip-hop culture.
“It’s the first time in history that the anthem had samples included in it,” Batiste revealed. “We almost couldn’t clear the main sample that I wanted until the night before.”
This modernized take on the anthem not only paid tribute to New Orleans’ rich musical heritage but also honored Batiste’s late veteran grandfather, whose memory played a key role in his approach to the song.
Suleika Jaouad’s Art and Personal Resilience
Jaouad, a writer and artist who has been battling cancer, created the butterfly painting that decorated Batiste’s piano. The image symbolizes resilience, transformation, and beauty emerging from struggle—a theme deeply connected to her personal journey.
“It’s the balance of this duality,” Batiste said about his wife’s artistic expression. “She’s a one-of-a-kind human being with so much light from within.”
Their collaboration in music and art was also captured in the Grammy-winning documentary “American Symphony.” Jaouad’s painting wasn’t just decoration—it was a statement of perseverance, love, and creativity.
New Music: “My United State” and Artistic Evolution
Following his Super Bowl performance, Batiste unveiled “My United State,” a two-track project featuring:
- “Star-Spangled Blues” – A blues-influenced reworking of the national anthem.
- “Notes from My Future Self” – A deeply personal track reflecting on his journey and aspirations.
Batiste explained that “Notes from My Future Self” was inspired by his childhood dreams and the idea of reconnecting with his younger self.
“When you hear the song, it’s me talking to my younger me,” he said. “But it could also be you, talking to young you. We have to go back to that kid.”
The song blends spoken word, poetry, and hip-hop, crafted with the help of director Alan Ferguson, a longtime collaborator. Batiste sees it as a self-empowerment anthem, reminding listeners to embrace their inner child and push forward with confidence.
Love Riot Festival: A Celebration Beyond the Super Bowl
Batiste didn’t just take the Super Bowl stage—he also took over New Orleans’ 9th Ward with his Love Riot Festival, an event dedicated to spreading music, joy, and community impact.
Held at George Washington Carver High School, the festival transformed the space into a celebration of music and hope, featuring:
- A musical showcase to uplift the local community.
- The announcement of a future sports field for neighborhood schools.
- A collaboration with Sing for Hope, where 10 local artists painted pianos that were placed around the 9th Ward for public use.
Batiste explained the motivation behind the event:
“I wanted to make something where we go to the places that are forgotten but are the foundation. They are the foundation of why we want to come to New Orleans in the first place.”
After the festival, the painted pianos will be donated to schools and community centers, ensuring that the event’s impact lasts far beyond Super Bowl weekend.
What’s Next for Jon Batiste?
With the Super Bowl behind him, Batiste is preparing for a new concert tour featuring:
- New music from “My United State”
- Selections from his Beethoven-inspired project, “Beethoven Blues”
- Live performances that blend classical, jazz, blues, and soul
“You really get a twofer on this next run,” Batiste teased, hinting at an exciting and genre-blending musical experience for fans.
A Lasting Super Bowl Legacy
From his wife’s art and resilience to his love for New Orleans and his ongoing musical evolution, Batiste used the biggest stage in the world to share a deeply personal and culturally significant moment.
With new music, a commitment to community impact, and a tour on the horizon, Batiste continues to prove that his artistry is about more than entertainment—it’s about connection, healing, and transformation.
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