Super Bowl 59: Jon Batiste to Jazz Up the National Anthem

Get ready for a soulful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner as Jon Batiste takes center stage at Super Bowl 59. The New Orleans native will infuse his jazz roots into the pre-game festivities.

From Francis Scott Key's poem to stadium-sized performances, the Star-Spangled Banner has had quite the journey. This year, at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste will bring his unique jazz flair to the nation's anthem. Talk about a musical gumbo!

Who is Jon Batiste?

Hailing from Metairie, Louisiana, the 38-year-old Batiste comes from a New Orleans musical dynasty. A Juilliard School alum, he founded "Stay Human," the house band for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." His album "We Are" snagged Album of the Year at the 2022 Grammys, and he co-composed the score for Pixar's "Soul," winning an Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe. This cat's got serious chops.

A New Orleans Twist on a Classic

Jazz and patriotism? That's a New Orleans special. Batiste's performance promises to be a fresh take on a time-honored tradition, blending his musical heritage with the spirit of the game. It's gonna be off the chain!

The Anthem and the Super Bowl: A Love Story

The Star-Spangled Banner became the official anthem in 1931, but its sporting debut was way back in 1918 at a World Series game. Ever since, it's been a pre-game staple, setting the stage for gridiron glory. The Super Bowl? That's just the anthem's biggest stage.

Super Bowl 59: What to Expect

Super Bowl 59 kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET. Get there early to catch the team intros, the national anthem, and the coin toss. This year's halftime show will feature Kendrick Lamar!

Brad Johnson's Pop-A-Shot Dreams

Speaking of Super Bowl winners, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brad Johnson, Super Bowl XXXVII champ, took his competitive fire to the Pop-A-Shot National Championship. Johnson was one of eight competitors vying for the Pop-A-Shot National Championship in Orlando. After buying a Pop-A-Shot machine for his home in January, Johnson began shooting as many as 1,700 shots a day. Johnson qualified as an underdog given his wild-card status and his lack of tournament experience.

So, as we gear up for Super Bowl 59, let's raise a glass to Jon Batiste, the New Orleans maestro ready to deliver an unforgettable rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. And remember, whether you're belting out the anthem or sinking shots in a Pop-A-Shot, it's all about the love of the game. Play ball!