Jon Batiste Appointed to U.S. President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities

The GRAMMY Award-winning artist will serve as part of the board advising U.S. President Biden on cultural policy 

Founded in 1982 in the U.S., the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) comprises members appointed by the President, including prominent artists, scholars, and philanthropists who demonstrate strong dedication to the arts and humanities.

Singer-songwriter and prolific composer Jon Batiste is one of 21 committee members — co-chaired by Lady Gaga and Bruce Cohen — including celebrities such as Shonda Rhimes, Jennifer Garner, George Clooney, and Kerry Washington.

As a board member, Batiste will be involved in advising the President and the heads of U.S. cultural agencies on policy, philanthropic, private sector engagement, and other efforts to advance federal support for the arts, humanities, plus museum and library services.

Batiste was born in New Orleans and completed both his Bachelor of arts and Master of fine arts degrees at New York City’s Juilliard School, where he is now on the board of trustees. Between 2015 and 2022, he served as the bandleader and musical director of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on CBS.

In 2020, he won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for the Disney/Pixar film “Soul,” becoming the second Black composer in history to win this award in composition since jazz icon Herbie Hancock. Further accolades for his work on “Soul” include a Golden Globe, BAFTA, NAACP Image Award, and Critic’s Choice Award.

Following the critical acclaim of his 2021 studio album, “We Are,” Batiste made GRAMMY history when he was nominated for 11 GRAMMY Awards across seven different categories, winning five. He has been nominated a total of 14 times.

Additionally, Batiste will give a keynote speech at Loyola University New Orleans’ commencement ceremony on May 13, 2023.

In engaging with national artists and scholars over the past 40 years, PCAH promotes excellence in all areas of the arts and humanities — exemplifying the relevance of various educational and artistic services to the country’s health, economy, equity, and civic life. For the full list of new PCAH appointments, click here.