Stephen Colbert picks New Orleans musician as ‘Late Show’ bandleader

Stephen Colbert is ready to strike up the band with musician Jon Batiste as his “Late Show” bandleader.

Colbert announced the hire on Thursday, saying his music “makes the audience feel so good, we may have to install a ‘Do Not Make Love’ sign.”

Batiste is a singer and educator from New Orleans who has toured globally with his band, Stay Human, and has collaborated with performers including Prince, Wynton Marsalis and Lenny Kravitz. He studied at the Juilliard School, where he received his undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Colbert, an alumni of Northwestern and Chicago’s Second City, used to host “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central. He’s stepping into CBS’ late-night slot long occupied by David Letterman and his bandleader, Paul Shaffer.

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” starts Sept. 8. —AP

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