The bandleader and recent Grammy winner will be replaced by Louis Cato.
Jon Batisteis leavingThe Late Show With Stephen Colbertafter seven years.
The bandleader will be replaced by Louis Cato, who has served as interim bandleader this summer.
Stephen Colbert and Jon Batiste on ‘The Late Show’.Scott Kowalchyk/CBS
Therecent Grammy winneris departing to pursue personal and professional interests.
Colbert announced Batiste’s departure on Thursday’s edition of the show.
“I’ve got news about our dear friend Jon Batiste,” said Colbert.
Stephen Colbert and Jon Batiste on ‘The Late Show’.Scott Kowalchyk/CBS
“Now, sharp-eyed viewers may have noticed that Jon hasn’t been here this summer.
Well, I have an update.
Jon has decided to leave the show.
Louis Cato on ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’.Scott Kowalchyk/CBS
But it’s for all the best reasons, including to continue sharing his art with the world.”
The host continued, “We wanted to give him a big in-person send-off.
Joe Walsh was going to pop out of a cake, but Jon’s not in town.
I hope he’s cutting his new album, and I hope it’s calledMore Grammys, yo.
I love you.”
Colbert went on to say Cato is taking over.
He could basically play every instrument on that stand over there.
Give him an afternoon he’ll learn how to play Mozart on a shoehorn."
Cato released his first solo album,Starting Now, in 2016.
Watch Colbert announce Batiste’s departure from the show below.
