JON BATISTE BRINGS “BIG MONEY” AND GENRE-DEFYING REVIVAL TO NMAAM’S EXCLUSIVE FRONT ROW SERIES

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) recently transformed its main concourse into a sanctuary of “revival and joy” as seven-time Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award winner Jon Batiste headlined the museum’s latest Front Row event. The intimate series, designed to offer exclusive access to transformational musicians, drew a sold-out crowd of 400 fans who gathered in a circular “in-the-round” seating arrangement to witness a masterclass in creativity and cultural immersion.

The evening centered on Batiste’s critically acclaimed 2025 album, Big Money. Joined by his co-producer, the legendary No I.D. (famed for his work with Jay-Z and Kanye West), Batiste engaged in a deep-dive conversation moderated by Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. The dialogue explored the making of the album—recorded in just one week—and Batiste’s vision for “New Americana,” a genre-bending sound that weaves together gospel, blues, soul, and New Orleans grit.

A Multi-Sensory Celebration
Between stories of recording one-take sessions, Batiste treated the audience to spontaneous piano performances, his fingers dancing across the keys to illustrate the improvisational spirit of the record. Local reviewers have been quick to praise the project; DownBeat lauded the album as “high art,” specifically highlighting the “gut-wrenching” beauty of “Lonely Avenue,” a duet with Randy Newman.

The event also marked the grand opening of the “Big Money” exhibit at NMAAM. The display features:

Recording Artifacts: Original handwritten lyrics and session notes.

Instruments: The specific keys and guitars used during the high-speed recording process.

Wardrobe: Iconic pieces from the Big Money tour and recording sessions.

Photography: An exclusive photo retrospective captured by No I.D. throughout the production.

Chasing History
The timing of the event is particularly poignant as Batiste heads into the 2026 Grammy Awards with three major nominations for Big Money: Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song, and Best American Roots Performance. According to NMAAM officials, a win at the upcoming February ceremony would mark Batiste’s eighth Grammy, placing him in the rarified company of legends like Quincy Jones.

Located in the heart of Music City at 510 Broadway, NMAAM continues to serve as the “definitive soundtrack of American life.” By hosting artists like Batiste, the museum reinforces its mission to preserve and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American musical canon.