Jon Batiste, the multi-Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning musician, has unveiled the second single from his highly anticipated album Big Money. Titled “Lonely Avenue,” the track features none other than legendary composer and singer Randy Newman, marking a powerful collaboration between two of music’s most distinctive voices. The song, available for streaming and download now, offers a fresh take on the iconic Doc Pomus classic made famous by Ray Charles.
The accompanying music video, directed by David Henry Gerson, takes viewers on an intimate journey through a quiet, vintage apartment. The video follows Batiste, drawn toward the sound of Newman’s voice singing “Lonely Avenue” from another room. As Batiste and Newman come together at the piano, their musical connection serves as a bridge between memory, imagination, and something far beyond. The organic nature of the collaboration, recorded live in Newman’s living room with a handheld recorder, captures a raw, unfiltered moment between two musical legends.
“Ray is my patron saint,” Batiste reflects, acknowledging the deep influence of Ray Charles on both his and Newman’s work. “Just as the Big Money songs are in conversation with each other, I’m in conversation with Randy and Ray.”
“Lonely Avenue” follows the release of the album’s title track, “Big Money,” a groove-heavy anthem that echoes themes of authenticity and living for what’s real. Big Money showcases Batiste’s commitment to his roots in American music, from gospel and blues to folk and rock & roll. The album is described by Batiste as an “explicit Americana blues statement,” reflecting a broader cultural movement within Black American artistry—a reclaiming of heritage across musical genres.
Co-produced by Batiste and longtime collaborator Dion “No ID” Wilson, Big Money spans a wide range of moods, from the soulful duet “Lean on My Love” with Andra Day to the cosmic, genre-defying closer “Angels,” performed by Batiste’s alter ego, Billy Bob Bo Bob. The album is poised to be one of the standout releases of the year, building on a 2025 that has already seen Batiste take home two GRAMMY® Awards and a performance at the Super Bowl.
Batiste will soon hit the road to support the album with his Big Money Tour: Jon Batiste Plays America, starting on August 27 in Kansas City, MO. The tour will include over 30 stops across the country, including iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Grand Ole Opry, and a co-headlining show with Diana Ross in St. Louis. For full tour dates and ticket information, visit jonbatistestore.com.
Big Money will be released on August 22 via Verve/Interscope and is available for pre-order now, with exclusive signed CDs and hot pink vinyl available for fans at the official Jon Batiste store.
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