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Jon Batiste’s Super Bowl Spectacle: A Symphony of Creativity and Resilience
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jon Batiste, a versatile and celebrated musician, transformed the Super Bowl stage into a vibrant canvas of creativity. His performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Sunday was not just a rendition but a profound artistic statement. The piano he played, adorned with a colorful butterfly painting by his wife, Suleika Jaouad, added a layer of personal significance and global resonance. Jaouad, a writer, came up with the idea during the making of their documentary, "American Symphony," which delves into the artistic and personal journeys of their lives. The painting, symbolizing resilience and grace, was a testament to the city’s enduring spirit in the wake of a New Year’s attack and a fitting tribute to Batiste’s late veteran grandfather. Batiste’s performance was a powerful moment, encapsulating the essence of American culture and his own deep roots in it. "This was powerful. The spirit came over me," he shared with the Associated Press after the performance at the Caesars Superdome.
Unveiling “My United State”: A Musical Milestone
On Monday, Batiste unveiled "My United State," a unique two-track project that includes "Star-Spangled Blues" and "Notes from My Future Self." This release marks the first time in the history of the national anthem that samples have been incorporated, a creative feat that almost didn’t happen until the night before the performance. The sample from "Drag Rap" by The Showboys, better known as the Triggerman beat, is a cornerstone of New Orleans’ bounce and hip-hop culture. By integrating this local sound, Batiste aimed to highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage and add a personal touch to a song that has been performed at the Super Bowl since 1967. Over the years, music legends like Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Billy Joel, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga have left their marks on the anthem, and Batiste’s version stands as a testament to his innovative and boundary-pushing style.
Jaouad’s Resilience Shines Through Her Art
During the filming of "American Symphony," inspiration flowed from multiple sources, but none more profoundly than from Suleika Jaouad’s canvas. As she painted, a vivid butterfly emerged, embodying the themes of resilience, delicate beauty, and grace. Jaouad’s artwork was prominently displayed on the piano and bench during Batiste’s Super Bowl performance. The painting, a visual representation of her journey, adds a deep emotional layer to Batiste’s artistic expression. Jaouad, a writer who is battling cancer for the third time, revealed her diagnosis on social media in December. Batiste is deeply appreciative of her resilience and the way she has transformed her struggles into profound art. "She’s a one of a kind human being, like a person who has so much light from within," he said. "You look into her eyes and you see the work. I’m very glad that she was able to not only survive, but have this alchemizing process of it all to lift it into something that’s even more than just a way of making lemonade out of lemons. This is more than just taking a bad thing and making it good. It’s almost a blessing, as wild as it is to think about it like that."
An Anthem of Growth and Homecoming
"Notes from My Future Self" is a song that delves into the intersections of Batiste’s past, present, and future. While crafting this track, the seven-time Grammy winner had three key elements in mind: returning home, performing the national anthem, and reconnecting with his inner child. The song is an upbeat anthem of self-empowerment, a musical dialogue between the adult Batiste and his 6-year-old self. "It really brought together so many things in my subconscious," he reflected. "It brought them together, like all these stories, notes. What would the young me think about what’s happening now and how to really connect to this moment from their inner child plays in this song? It just came out of that." The process of creating the song was a profound journey of artistic realization for Batiste, encapsulating the essence of healing and thriving by staying rooted in one’s identity. "When you hear the song and you’re listening, it’s me talking to my younger me," he said. "But it could also be you, talking to young you. In a moment like this, it’s important for us to heal, to really thrive and be rooted in who we are. We have to go back to that kid."
A Vision of Celebration and Evolution
The musical foundation for "Notes from My Future Self" was laid during conversations with director Alan Ferguson, a frequent collaborator. They envisioned a blend of spoken word, poetry, and hip-hop, all framed by a message of radical cause, positivity, and openness. Batiste described the song as a "celebration of life," a natural extension of his artistic intuition. The visual and auditory possibilities of the track represent a new phase in his evolution as an artist. "When it aligns like that, that’s how I know it’s the right direction," he said. This alignment of creative vision and personal growth is evident in the song’s energy and message, making it a powerful addition to his repertoire and a beacon of hope for listeners.
Leaving a Lasting Impact in New Orleans
Before his Super Bowl performance, Batiste brought his signature energy to New Orleans’ 9th Ward, transforming the neighborhood into a stage for joy and community. His He Gets Us Presents Jon Batiste’s Love Riot Festival at George Washington Carver High School was a celebration of music, hope, and action. The event also highlighted plans for a future sports field to serve local schools, demonstrating Batiste’s commitment to giving back to his hometown. In collaboration with Sing for Hope, Batiste led 10 New Orleans artists in creating hand-painted pianos, which were scattered throughout the 9th Ward, inviting the community to engage with music. These vibrant instruments will find permanent homes in schools and community centers, ensuring that the music and the festival’s spirit will continue to inspire and uplift long after the final note is played. "The greatest thing we can do is serve and not take it," Batiste said. "It’s a holistic view. … Yes, I’m honored to sing at the Super Bowl. I also want to leave something that impacts the community, my hometown."
