The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is just around the corner, now that today is the first day of November. With the event being held each year in New York, viewers and attendees who are looking forward might be wondering who will be performing this year — when it will be hosted on November 23.
Here’s a look at the current lineup — and some of the key highlights.
Jon Batiste is set to open the show. Earlier this year, the Grammy winner released his new album, World Music Radio.
Cher is also one of the performers at the parade this year. She recently announced that she’s made her first Christmas album, and she’s expected to play a selection from that.
Throughout the parade’s runtime, other acts on the lineup include “Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, ENHYPEN, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park with the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith and Manuel Turizo,” according to Today.com.
There will also be 16 balloons themed to characters, including new ones like “Beagle Scout Snoopy” and Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece, 26 floats, 12 marching bands, Santa Claus, and thousands of volunteers working to make the Thanksgiving festivity run smoothly.
In the last month, Lil Wayne has delivered a new theme song for FS1’s new-look Undisputedand led Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes onto the field while performing “Ride For My N****s (Sky Is The Limit).” But on Wednesday, September 27, Wayne confirmed more is on the way, confirming on Instagram that Tha Fix Before Tha VI is due out this Friday, September 29.
Lil Wayne also revealed its presumed red-tinted cover art and 10-song tracklist. “Kat Food” was released as a single on September 1.
On March 31, Wayne released his career-spanningcompilation album I Am Music, including classic hits such as “Lollipop” and “Mr. Carter.” On Wednesday, the video for Tyga’s “Brand New” featuring Lil Wayne and YG premiered. The track is from Tyga and YG’s joint project, Hit Me When U Leave The Klub, also due out this Friday, September 29.
Check out the tracklist for Tha Fix Before Tha VI below.
1. “Act Up” Feat. Jon Batiste
2. “Birds”
3. “Slip”
4. “Kat Food”
5. “Tuxedo” Feat. Euro
6. “To The Bank”
7. “Chanel No. 5” Feat. Fousheé
8. “No New B*tches”
9. “Tity Boi”
10. “Good Morning”
Tha Fix Before Tha VI is out 9/29 via Young Money Records. Find more information here.
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.
Jazz, Juilliard, & Jumpstarting A Revolution
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: Jon Batiste winner of best American roots performance, best American roots song, best music video and best score soundtrack for visual media poses in the winners photo room during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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.
A Maestro & His Multifarious Endeavors
NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 29: Jon Batiste performs during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on April 29, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
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.
Echoes Of Batiste: The Legacy Of A Living Legend
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 02: Jon Batiste attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
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.
Jon Batiste‘s new album World Music Radio is out now. The highly anticipated record has tons of features, such as “Be Who You Are” with JID, NewJeans, and Camilo, as well as the closing track “Life Lesson” with Lana Del Rey, who unveiled her new album Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd earlier this year.
The piano-driven ballad finds the singers trading off verses. Lana sings of a relationship complicated by a power imbalance and subsequent resentment: “I read an article about a star who said that standing / In the shadow of her husband felt so dark / Reminded me of you and I because / That’s very much the way our story was.”
The two collaborated earlier this year for “Candy Necklace.”
Batiste also recently covered Taylor Swift’s “Sweet Nothing.” “I just went to the Taylor Swift concert and it would be fun to do something with Taylor,” he said. “She was nice enough to invite us and give us tickets to one of her MetLife Stadium shows over Memorial Day weekend, and I’d love to work with any of the living legends, you know, any folks that I can learn something from — even if we don’t put it out.”
Listen to “Life Lesson” above.
World Music Radio is out now via Verve/Interscope. Find more information here.
Who would’ve guessed Jon Batiste was an undercover Swiftie? Today (August 16), during an appearance on Elvis Duran And The Morning Show, Batiste covered a Taylor Swift deep cut.
With nothing but a keyboard and some help from his backing band, the New Orleans artist delivered a cover of “Sweet Nothing” from Swift’s 10th studio album, Midnights. Of course, Batiste had to give it his signature touch. At the bridge of the song, he added some glistening piano harmonies, and delivered some jazzy croons to close out the song. At the conclusion of the performance, the show’s host is heard tearing up.
This isn’t the first time Batiste has shown love to Swift. In an interview with People back in June, Batiste expressed interest in collaborating with her.
“I just went to the Taylor Swift concert and it would be fun to do something with Taylor,” he said. “She was nice enough to invite us and give us tickets to one of her MetLife Stadium shows over Memorial Day weekend, and I’d love to work with any of the living legends, you know, any folks that I can learn something from — even if we don’t put it out.”
Batiste is currently gearing up to release his upcoming sixth studio album, World Music Radio.
World Music Radio is out 8/18 via Verve/Interscope. Find more information here.
“Traveling with my wife, leaning into the culturally diverse group of friends and family that make up my inner circle birthed the foundations for what is now World Music Radio – much of which was recorded in transit, hotel rooms, basements and on smartphones either abroad or near big bodies of water,” Batiste said in a statement.
The track delivers concise, valuable life advice atop an infectiously buoyant soundscape: “So take a deep breath, drink water / You know that these streets just now calm down / So take a deep breath, drink water / You know that these streets just now / Calm down or calm down or calm down / Whenever you feel like you might drown or calm down or calm down / You know that these streets just loud.”
Upon announcing World Music Radio in June, Batiste posted a lengthy Instagram caption explaining its origins and intended purpose:
“World Music Radio is a concept album that takes place in the interstellar regions of the universe. The listener is led through the album by an interstellar traveling griot named Billy Bob Bo Bob, who takes you sonically all around the world at the speed of light.
I created this album with a feeling of liberation in my life and a renewed sense of exploration of my personhood, my craft and of the world around me unlike anything I ever felt before.
This new album will fill your soul, open your heart and stretch your mind while expanding your vision of popular art. We really wanted to re-examine and redefine terms like world music as they exist in the culture…(more on the later)
A range of collaborations in locations all across the globe made this vision a reality.
There was a lot of joy in making this and it definitely translates to the listening experience, and now to you.
Exec produced this with my friends Jon Bellion and Ryan Lynn. More surprises to come so stay tuned. Welcome to World Music Radio.”
Listen to “Drink Water” above.
World Music Radio is out 8/18 via Verve/Interscope. Find more information here.
Jon Batiste is back with a new single today. Ahead of his newly-announced sixth studio album, World Music Radio, Batiste has shared a groovy new track called “Calling Your Name.” Over a punchy, percussive beat, Batiste recalls a sweet love, as he delivers silky vocals between breezy harmonica drops.
This first taste of World Music Radio encapsulates the mood of the album, which came from a newfound sense of freedom Batiste had discovered within himself.
“I created this album with a feeling of liberation in my life and a renewed sense of exploration of my personhood, my craft and of the world around me unlike anything I had ever felt before,” Batiste said in a statement.
World Music Radio will arrive later this summer and will boast collaborations with Lil Wayne, Lana Del Rey, Kenny G, Fireboy DML, JID, Camilo, NewJeans, and more.
You can see the visualizer for “Calling Your Name” above, and the World Music Radio album art and tracklist below.
Verve/Interscope
1. “Hello, Billy Bob”
2. “Raindance” Feat. Native Soul
3. “Be Who You Are” Feat. JID, NewJeans, Camilo
4. “Worship”
5. “My Heart”
6. “Drink Water” Feat. Jon Bellion & Fireboy DML
7. “Calling Your Name”
8. “Clair De Lune” Feat. Kenny G
9. “Butterfly”
10. “17th Ward Prelude”
11. “Uneasy” Feat. Lil Wayne
12. “CALL NOW (504-305-8269)” Feat. Michael Batiste
13. “Chassol”
14. “BOOM FOR REAL”
15. “MOVEMENT 18′ (Heroes)”
16. “Master Power”
17. “Running Away” Feat. Leigh-Anne
18. “Goodbye, Billy Bob”
19. “White Space”
20. “Wherever You Are”
21. “Life Lesson” Feat. Lana Del Rey
World Music Radio is out 8/18 via Verve/Interscope. Find more information here.
On September 8, 2015, the debut episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert aired. Aside from Colbert himself, a major part of the show’s identity was Jon Batiste and his Stay Human house band. Since early June this year, Batiste has actually been away from the show on a break, so band member Louis Cato has been filling in as leader. Now, that change has been made permanent: On last night’s Late Show, Colbert announced that Batiste is leaving the program after just shy of seven years.
Colbert shared the news last night, saying, “Sharp-eyed viewers may have noticed that Jon hasn’t been here this summer. Well, I have an update: Jon has decided to leave the show.” That got an “aww” from the audience and Colbert continued, “I know, I feel the same way, but it’s for all the best reasons, including to continue sharing his art with the world.”
He added, “We have been so lucky to have a front-row seat to Jon’s incredible talent for the past seven years, and will we miss him here? [Batiste voice] ‘Yeeaah! Yeeaah!’ But we’re happy for you, Jon, and I can’t wait to have you back on as a guest with your next hit record. I love you.”
Colbert went on to reveal that Cato is taking over as bandleader and that the house band is now called The Late Show Band.
On Tuesday, The United States was once again hit with news of a mass shooting, and this time, it sadly occurred at an elementary school. An 18-year-old gunman entered Texas’ Robb Elementary School and began shooting at students and teachers in the building. The suspect, Salvador Ramos, was eventually shot and killed during a stand-off with officers. According to AP, the incident is the deadliest shooting at a U.S. grade school since 20 students and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut back in 2012.
The shooting at Robb Elementary School occurred just ten days after a racially-motivating shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo left ten dead. Unfortunately, both cases are examples of the mass shootings that occurred over and over again in the United States over the last decade. The shooting has left the music world to send condolences and extend a loving hand to a community, and a country, that could really use it.
Filled with rage and grief, and so broken by the murders in Uvalde. By Buffalo, Laguna Woods and so many others. By the ways in which we, as a nation, have become conditioned to unfathomable and unbearable heartbreak. Steve’s words ring so true and cut so deep. https://t.co/Rb5uwSTxty
Taylor Swift offered her words after she watched Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr speak passionately and criticize government leaders during a press conference. “Filled with rage and grief, and so broken by the murders in Uvalde,” Taylor wrote. “By Buffalo, Laguna Woods and so many others. By the ways in which we, as a nation, have become conditioned to unfathomable and unbearable heartbreak. Steve’s words ring so true and cut so deep.”
We living in some TRYING TIMES… It’s Heavy…I am praying for everyone that is struggling MENTALLY/FINANCIALLY/PHYSICALLY that some PEACE be RESTORED! So many in the world is dealing with pain & I don’t have the answers but I send you LOVE virtually
Missy Elliot also shared a message of her own on Twitter. “We living in some TRYING TIMES… It’s heavy,” she wrote. “I am praying for everyone that is struggling MENTALLY/FINANCIALLY/PHYSICALLY that some PEACE be RESTORED! So many in the world is dealing with pain & I don’t have the answers but I send you LOVE virtually.”
You can view more messages from artists in the posts below.
Praying for Uvalde, Texas. I’m at a loss of words for the senseless tragedy that took place today. No parent should have to bury their child. Every child should feel and be safe at school.
Our hearts go out to those in texas at the Robb elementary school and everyone effected. Something has to change in this country. We are the only country where kids go to school and could wind up shot.
— THE CHAINSMOKERS (@TheChainsmokers) May 24, 2022
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Just last week a targeted mass shooting at a market in Buffalo and now a school shooting in Uvalde. Communities should be safe in their grocery stores, our CHILDREN should be safe in class! This has to end.
Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. We need change.
Another mass shooting in Texas resulting in 14 children and 1 adult dead. This time perpetrated by an 18 year old. One thing we can count on is that ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is going to be done about it.
Jon Batiste is having the biggest year of his lengthy career in 2022. He kicked things off by winning five Grammy awards including Album Of The Year earlier this month. He received the honor thanks to the critical acclaim behind his sixth album We Are. Now, Batiste is gearing to bring that same success to the big screen as it was recently announced that he would be making his acting debut in the remake of The Color Purple. According to Deadline, Batiste will play Grady, a sweet-talking and charming piano man who is also the husband of Shug Avery (played by Taraji P. Henson).
The Color Purple remake has been in the works since 2018. Steven Spielberg (who directed the 1985 film), Quincy Jones (who produced that same take), and Oprah Winfrey (who was nominated for an Oscar as Sofia) are listed as the producers for the remake. Blitz Bazawule, who directed Beyoncé’s visual album Black Is King, signed on as a director and Marcus Gardley from The Chi is writing the show’s script.
Batiste joins Ciara, Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks in the upcoming film’s cast with the latter two reprising their roles of Celie and Sofia. Other names in the case for The Color Purple remake include Colman Domingo who will play Celie’s abusive husband, Mister, Halle Bailey who will play the young version of Celie’s sister, Nettie, and HER who will play Squeak.
I am praying for everyone that is struggling MENTALLY/FINANCIALLY/PHYSICALLY that some PEACE be RESTORED! So many in the world is dealing with pain & I don’t have the answers but I send you LOVE virtually
(@themonaleo) 
(@AntonioDrumsX) 