The jazz-rich boulevards of New Orleans played host to the early rhythms of a young prodigy, Jon Batiste. Born on November 11, 1986, Batiste's early dalliances with the piano keys would soon turn into profound symphonies that would captivate global audiences. He didn't merely play music; he lived it. Emerging from a lineage steeped in Louisiana's music tradition, he was destined to bear the torch forward. By 2023, not only has Batiste become a celebrated maestro, but CAknowledge also reports his net worth to be a cool $6 million.
Jon's journey from the bayou to the Big Apple is the stuff of legends. Enrolling at the revered Juilliard School was about mastering notes and understanding the spirit behind each melody. His ensemble, Stay Human, became more than just a band - it was a call to reconnect, to feel, to be in the moment. Their brand of "social music" bridged genres, generations, and geographies.
Many remember Batiste's effervescent presence as the bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This wasn't just a gig but an institution of musical education for the masses. Through his performances, mainstream America got schooled on jazz, blues, funk, and the indomitable spirit of New Orleans.
Batiste's artistry isn't restricted to one medium. From collaborating with the likes of Prince to composing for Pixar's Soul, his creative genius knows no bounds. His album "WE ARE" is more than just music; it's a rich tapestry of sounds, stories, and histories, showcasing his versatility and depth. Further, music, for Batiste, is a tool for change. He's been at the forefront of social justice movements, playing in protests and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. His melodies are not just for entertainment; they're anthems of resistance, hope, and unity.
Charting the trajectory of Jon Batiste requires more than just looking at accolades and albums. It's about understanding the man behind the keys, the soul behind the sound. In a world often bereft of genuine connection, Batiste's music, activism, and sheer joie de vivre serve as a resounding reminder of the transformative power of art.
NEWS
Sharon Osbourne has revealed she is holding early discussions about bringing Ozzfest back in 2027 as a tribute to her late husband Ozzy Osbourne.
The iconic metal festival was last staged as a full standalone event in 2018, followed by a one off New Year’s Eve show in 2019. Sharon now feels interest in a proper return is stronger than ever and says initial talks are already underway with Live Nation. Her vision is for a comeback that is larger in scale, more inclusive in sound and truly international in reach.
Speaking to Billboard, she said: “It was something Ozzy was very passionate about: giving young talent a stage in front of a lot of people. We really started metal festivals in this country. It was [replicated but] never done with the spirit of what ours was, because ours was a place for new talent. It was like summer camp for kids.”
Sharon has also made it clear she wants the festival to grow with its audience, suggesting the next version of Ozzfest could reflect modern listening habits by opening the door to a wider range of sounds beyond traditional metal.
She later added: “I’d like to mix up the genres.”
Should the plans come together, Ozzfest would once again travel internationally, recalling its late nineties and early two thousands peak when it became both a launching pad for emerging bands and a major platform for established heavy acts.
In an earlier episode of The Osbournes Podcast, Ozzy, who died in July 2025 aged 76, asked whether the festival could ever return. Sharon responded without hesitation: "Yeah, sure. Of course."
Their daughter Kelly then raised the issue of rising booking fees, suggesting that managers need to be more realistic when negotiating festival appearances.
Sharon responded: "Why is it when it comes to us that everybody thinks that we are trillionaires, and so that every manager who wants their band on our festival wants one of the trillions they think we’ve got to put on the festival?”
Ozzfest was originally founded by Ozzy and Sharon in 1996, at a time when she was also managing the Black Sabbath frontman, and began life as a two day event.
A year later, the festival expanded into a touring format, although by the time it returned in 2018 it had been scaled back to a single night at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
That final edition featured Ozzy at the top of the bill alongside artists such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Korn’s Jonathan Davis.
