Jon Batiste is exiting ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ after serving as bandleader for seven seasons since the show was launched in September 2015. The premier late-night show airs on CBS, an American commercial broadcast television and radio network. The Late Show involves comedy, as well as witty interviews with celebrities.

Jon Batiste’s departure was announced by the show’s host Stephen Colbert on Thursday, August 11. During his announcement, Stephen Colbert said that Jon Batiste had made a decision to leave the show.

The host was quick to assure his viewers, citing that Jon Batiste’s move was all for good reasons, adding that one of the reasons for the departure was so that Jon could continue sharing his art with the world. The show’s host further said they had been so lucky to have a front-row seat to Jon’s incredible talent over the previous seven years and that he would be missed. The host also excused the musician’s absence during the show explaining that Batiste was out of town.

He, however, stated that he was happy about the musician’s next move. Colbert also expressed looking forward to hosting Jon on the show as a guest during the latter’s next hit record. In a light moment, Colbert jokingly added that the musician’s next album be titled ‘More Grammys Please.’

A jazz pianist, the 35-year-old Jon Batiste is a 2011 graduate of The Juilliard School. He is also a widely acclaimed jazz pianist who was a big winner at the 2022 Grammys award in April, taking home not one, but five trophies, including the album of the year award for his role in “We Are.” The album of the year award is the most honored Grammy award category. Notably, the musician has also won an Oscar, a Golden Globe Award, a Grammy Award, and a British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) for his role in composing the animated comedy-drama- Disney/Pixar’s Soul alongside Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Amidst the exit of Jon Batiste’s from “The Late Show,” the tradition of an exemplary band leader continues. Colbert announced that Louis Cato, who has served as the interim band leader during Batiste’s absence this summer, will take over as the band leader. Cato will take over full-time from the upcoming eighth season that will air on CBS on Tuesday, September 6. Additionally, Stephen said the band would be renamed “The Late Show Band.”

Louis Cato is a Grammy-nominated musician described by Colbert as a humble, talented person. The host also termed Louis a “musical genius” who could essentially play every musical instrument on the show’s stage. The host also joked that the incoming band leader could learn how to play Mozart on a shoehorn, much to the delight of his audience.

Cato will share the stage with Joe Saylor and band members Louis Fouché, Jon Lampley, Endea Owens, and Nêgah Santos. Cato expressed that it had been one of his life’s great honors working on the show with some of the most talented musicians and creative people he knew. He also said that he had learned from both Stephen and Jon over the show’s past seven seasons and was genuinely excited to continue the show’s legacy. Regarding his departure, Jon Batiste on Friday simply tweeted: “Thank God for Stephen Colbert ♥️.”

Jon Batiste’s departure from “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” came after his seven-year appearance on the popular show that has aired on CBS for seven seasons. Louis Cato, the talented Grammy-nominated musician that has been holding down the fort n Jon’s absence, will take over as the leader of the band that has been newly christened “The Late Show Band.” The show’s host expressed happiness in working alongside Jon and wished him success with his upcoming endeavors.


Anthony Tilghman

Anthony Tilghman, is an 3x Award-winning Photojournalist, Education advocate, Mentor, and Published Author with years of experience in media, photography, marketing and branding. He is the Winner of the...

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