Jon Batiste hopes his new albums give classical music broad appeal

NPR · 2:07

5,793 views · 456 likes · Aug 14, 2026

Jon Batiste offers his take on Mozart and Thelonious Monk in a trio of albums featuring his blend of classical, jazz, roots and R&B. The Oscar- and Emmy-winning pianist says he'd like "Black Mozart," "Monk Meditations" and "Monk Movements" to appeal broadly, from the casual listener to the seasoned musician.

"If you've never listened to classical music and you're, like, I don't even rock this kin…

Jon Batiste offers his take on Mozart and Thelonious Monk in a trio of albums featuring his blend of classical, jazz, roots and R&B. The Oscar- and Emmy-winning pianist says he'd like "Black Mozart," "Monk Meditations" and "Monk Movements" to appeal broadly, from the casual listener to the seasoned musician.

"If you've never listened to classical music and you're, like, I don't even rock this kin…

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