Jon Batiste is NOT blind.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Batiste has posted some piano performances on his social media as a teaser for his upcoming album.
- He was mistaken as blind and autistic by first-time listeners.
- While he does not suffer any physical or mental challenges himself, he is passionate about helping those who do.
Jon Batiste, the American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and composer, is set to release a new album, “Beethoven Blues,” on November 15, 2024.
As he releases teasers for the upcoming Piano series on social media, some fans, especially ones that have not been following him for long, have become concerned over his perceived challenges.
In an Instagram post from October 28, 2024, Batiste attempts to compose Green Day’s Holiday after hearing it for the first time.
In the video, he is also asked to listen to some other songs and try to guess the artist.
While intently listening and trying to compose the song on his piano, he periodically stares off into the space behind his instrument, leading some newcomers to question whether he is blind.
One user commented,
Hes the man, but why he playing like he blind 😂
Via INSTAGRAM
As ridiculous as that sounds to seasoned fans of the 37-year-old artist, one cannot blame the questioners.
After all, there have been quite a few blind but brilliant piano players in music history, to the point it has almost become a cliché.
As for the autism claims, Batiste’s deep obsession with music, lively and cheerful personality, and golden-retriever-like energy can be blamed.
While Jon has been fortunate enough not to face any physical or mental challenges himself, he fosters a deep compassion for those who do.
He worked with Mount Sinai Hospital to study the connection between music and how it affects the human body and mind.
The study aimed to help better understand music therapy and help people, especially children with ADHD and Asthma.
As an active member of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine, he won the What a Wonderful World Award in 2014.
Jon Batiste also collaborates with Bill Gates to raise awareness about child malnutrition, a crisis affecting over 400 million children worldwide.
The pair periodically visit Nigeria to understand the problem better and work on a solution.
They advocate scaling up proven, cost-effective interventions to combat malnutrition, including introducing fortified foods, prenatal vitamins, and agricultural innovations.
Batiste is also involved in children’s education. He frequently brings his music into schools and community settings, advocating mentorship as essential for future generations.
His approach to music goes beyond entertainment, viewing it as a tool for social impact, community building, and honoring cultural heritage.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jon Batiste comes from a long line of musicians in New Orleans. His family includes notable figures like Lionel Batiste of the Treme Brass Band and Milton Batiste of the Olympia Brass Band.
- Jon began his musical journey at the age of eight, playing percussion and drums with his family’s band, the Batiste Brothers Band. He switched to piano at age 11.
- Jon Batiste is married to Suleika Jaouad, a writer, advocate, and motivational speaker. They married in February 2022, just before Suleika underwent a bone marrow transplant.
