Jon Batiste’s creative journey for his latest album Big Money includes a meaningful reconnection with legendary songwriter Randy Newman, a collaboration rooted in admiration, timing, and shared musical history. Speaking to People, Batiste reflected on how a simple phone call reignited a friendship that had quietly paused for years and ultimately led to new music and award recognition.
How Jon Batiste Reconnected With Randy Newman Through Music
Batiste explained that he reached out to Newman as part of a personal effort to reconnect with artists who shaped his musical outlook. He shared that Newman had not been singing much at the time, but once they began spending time together, something shifted. According to Batiste, those close to Newman were happy to see his renewed enthusiasm, especially as he returned to singing and playing piano during casual living room sessions.
From those intimate moments, the song “Lonely Avenue” emerged. Batiste included the track on Big Money, his ninth studio album, and the collaboration has since earned a nomination for Best American Roots Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The nomination is one of three for Batiste this year, alongside recognition for Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song.
Big Money, the Grammys, and a Shared Creative Vision
Batiste described Big Money as an album about people, history, and collective sound, blending gospel, soul, blues, folk, and rock into a modern expression of American music. He emphasized that the recognition matters deeply because it reflects the album’s purpose and honors the traditions that inspired it. With seven Grammy wins already, including Album of the Year in 2022, Batiste said this chapter feels especially meaningful as he hopes to inspire other artists to keep creating with honesty and purpose.
As the Grammy Awards approach, Batiste shared that he plans to celebrate with family and friends and would be especially proud to share a win with Newman, whom he now considers a close creative partner.
