It was on February 9, 2025, that Super Bowl LIX was going to be not just an event at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome but an anthem to music for the culture and heritage of the city. The national anthem had been sung by local Louisianan and seven-time Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste in an emotional and meaningful nuance that appealed to the local community and people throughout the United States.
A Hometown Tribute
Wearing an all-black Paul Smith suit, Batiste stepped into the spotlight with a rainbow-colored piano decorated with a butterfly painting by his wife, Suleika Jaouad. The artistic decision was not one of style alone; the butterfly represented resilience and transformation, both themes at the heart of Jaouad’s own struggle with cancer and the larger ethos of New Orleans. Batiste’s performance was a moving tribute to his heritage, seeking to embody the best of American ideals in difficult times.
A Different Musical Composition
Batiste’s performance was somewhat unique compared to any other standard national anthem rendition. He infused the composition with that jazzy flair, blending some of the bounce and hip-hop of New Orleans into the performance. He copped the Triggerman beat, or “Drag Rap” by The Showboys, which has been popular in the city for decades. This strategy not only brought the richness of the urban cultural heritage into focus but also gave the nationalist song new energy.
Honoring Personal and Collective Histories
The performance was a deeply personal one for Batiste. He dedicated it to his late grandfather, a war veteran, and thought about the role patriotic anthems play in periods of turmoil in the United States. Batiste highlighted the need for symbols and songs that embody the country’s ideals, particularly when those ideals are in question. His mission was to seize on the varied stories and melodies that, at first glance, appear unrelated but somehow contribute to making up the American fabric.
The NFL was similarly compelled to include Batiste in a broader push to celebrate Louisiana’s native music scene. For the league’s music head, Seth Dudowsky, the intention was to honor the musical heritage of New Orleans and the state as a whole. The pregame lineup also featured performances by Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle, who rendered “America the Beautiful,” and Ledisi, who performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” These renditions showcased the musical richness of the state and preceded the musical performances for the evening.
A Prelude to New Musical Endeavors
Batiste’s Super Bowl performance also acted as a showcase to unveil his latest project, “My United State,” comprising songs such as “Star-Spangled Blues” and “Notes from My Future Self.” The songs integrate old-school melodies with modern-day influences, as they reflect the growth of Batiste as an artist and his ambition to reach listeners on more than one level.It was on February 9, 2025, that Super Bowl LIX was going to be not just an event at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome but an anthem to music for the culture and heritage of the city. The national anthem had been sung by local Louisianan and seven-time Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste in emotional and meaningful nuance that appealed to the local community and people throughout the United States.
A Hometown Tribute
Wearing an all-black Paul Smith suit, Batiste stepped into the spotlight with a rainbow-colored piano decorated with a butterfly painting by his wife, Suleika Jaouad. The artistic decision was not one of style alone; the butterfly represented resilience and transformation, both themes at the heart of Jaouad’s own struggle with cancer and the larger ethos of New Orleans. Batiste’s performance was a moving tribute to his heritage, seeking to embody the best of American ideals in difficult times.
A Different Musical Composition
Batiste’s performance was somewhat unique compared to any other standard national anthem rendition. He infused the composition with that jazzy flair, blending some of the bounce and hip-hop of New Orleans into the performance. He copped the Triggerman beat, or “Drag Rap” by The Showboys, which has been popular in the city for decades. This strategy not only brought the richness of the urban cultural heritage into focus but also gave the nationalist song new energy.
