Jon Batiste, the ebuilient singer, songwriter and pianist many know as the musical director of CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” won 5 2022 Grammy awards. Being the most nominated artist of the occasion for having garnered 11 nominations, Batiste won the Album of the Year for “We Are,” Record of the Year for “Freedom,” Best American Roots Performance for “Cry,” Best American Root Spng for “Cry” and
Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (together with Carlos Rafael Rivera) for “The Queen’s Gambit.”
Belonging to the esteemed Batiste clan of musicians in New Orleans, Jon also holds the record of being the second Black artist to win an Album of the Year Award. Herbie Hancock was the first, having won the same award in 2008 for his album “River: The Joni Letters.”
Batiste’s “We Are” bested albums of heavyweight nominees led by Billie Eilish, Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Kanye West.The other big winners of the 64th Grammy Awards include Silk Sonic, whose hit soul “Leave the Door Open” won the Best Song and Best Record of the Year. Olivia Rodrigo won Best New Artist of the Year, while also claiming the trophy for the Best Pop Vocal Album for “Sour.” Kanye West won Best Rap Song for “Jail” and Best Melodic Rap performance for “Hurricane.”