Stephen Colbert Announces Jon Batiste as Bandleader of 'Late Show' House Band

With Stephen Colbert prepping for his upcoming job as host of the Late Show, one task on his agenda was to name a bandleader. He hand selected New Orleans musician Jon Batiste to lead the charge and take the lead for the show's house band.

For those unfamiliar, according to Spin, Batiste is a 28-year-old multi-instrumentalist known as a genre-spanning artist who has had the pleasure of working with some of jazz's most soulful players such as Wynton Marsalis, Prince and more.

Batiste is also an educator who toured the globe with his band, Stay Human. Having studied at the Juilliard School, where he received his undergraduate and master's degrees, the banter between these two great minds should effect some much requited humor.

Colbert is known for having a mind geared towards the arts, particularly classical jazz and opera. To wit, Mr. Colbert showed off his pipes with fellow opera heavyweight, Plácido Domingo, on an episode of The Colbert Report, which he hosted on Comedy Central.

Stephen will be stepping into CBS' late-night slot on Sept. 8. He will succeed David Letterman who occupied the seat for over 33 years.

So while you reflect on Letterman and his legacy, bear in mind that Stephen Colbert will soon hold the reigns.

And for that, we give you the announcement below.