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Jon Batiste Named Bandleader Of CBS’ New Colbert ‘Late Show’
Stephen Colbert is ready to strike up the band with musician Jon Batiste as his “Late Show” bandleader.
Photo: John Davisson
Lollapalooza, Grant Park, Chicago, Ill.
Colbert made the announcement of Batiste on Thursday, saying his music “makes the audience feel so good, we may have to install a ‘Do Not Make Love’ sign.”
Batiste is a singer and educator from New Orleans who has toured globally with his band, Stay Human, and has collaborated with performers including Prince, Wynton Marsalis and Lenny Kravitz. He studied at the Juilliard School, where he received his undergraduate and master’s degrees.
Colbert used to host “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central. He’s stepping into CBS’ late-night slot long occupied by David Letterman.
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” starts Sept. 8.
(Editor’s note: Jon Batiste spoke with Pollstar in 2013. Click here for the interview)