GRAMMYs 2022: Jon Batiste Wins 2022 Grammy For ‘Album Of The Year’ Award
Jon Batiste took home the Album of the Year award, one of the night’s biggest prizes, at the 2022 Grammys for his amazing album We Are. He’s the first Black artist to win the award in 14 years.
"I focused on love and freedom when making this album. I just wanted to give some good ole Black joy to the world. My other focus is family, my mom, my grandfather who is 90, my dad, my sister, and everyone is here. I wasn't prepared to win 'Album of the Year, but I hope this resonates with the young people to be yourself,” Batiste said, reacting to the surprise Grammy win.
Baptiste went up against a group of heavyweights to win the coveted award. The A-list competition included Kanye West’s Donda, Taylor Swift’s Evermore, H.E.R.’s Back of My Mind, Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever, and Lil Nas X’s Montero.
“I just put my head down and I work on my craft every day. I love music. I’ve been playing since I was a little boy,” Baptiste, appearing overwhelmed by the honor, said in his acceptance speech. “It’s more than entertainment for me. It’s a spiritual practice.”
The Louisiana native, who came to the ceremony receiving 11 Grammy nominations, began performing at age 8 in the Batiste Brothers Band, according to Vulture. He later studied jazz at Juilliard. His 2021 We Are is his eighth album, which brings together a blend of R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and rock, something for everyone.
