The NFL announced that Jon Batiste, a native of New Orleans, will perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
To promote the big game, the NFL revealed a video on the Thanksgiving games on Thursday (Nov. 28) showing Batiste with a band wearing New Orleans Saints football jerseys.
In a statement, Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, shared his excitement about the lineup.
“We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” Dudowsky said. “The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world, and this year’s performers will bring the energy, soul, and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage, as we kickoff Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember.”
A five-time Grammy Award winner and an Academy Award winner, Batiste is an acclaimed muscian. He composed the score for the critically acclaimed film Saturday Night.
Batiste recently released Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1), where he puts his spin on Beethoven’s classic works with an infusion of the blues. Taking to Instagram, he explained his inspiration behind the project.
“This whole album is profoundly beautiful and I can’t wait for you to hear it!!!!!! Since childhood, I’ve made a practice of interpolating classical piano music as if it were my own. I was often drawn to be in conversation with Beethoven’s music,” he wrote. “Many have asked if I’d ever record MY version of a classical piano album, and especially since my recent interview with Chris Wallace…so here it is! The first performance I’m sharing from the album is the full version of what I played in the interview, entitled “Für Elise-Batiste”
Other pregame performers include Grammy Award-winning singer Ledisi who will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Grammy winner Trombone Shorty will perform “America the Beautiful” with fellow Grammy Award-winning artist Lauren Daigle.
In September, it was announced that Kendrick Lamar was tapped to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said in a statement at the time. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.“
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