‘American Symphony’ Chronicles Jon Batiste’s Life: Music & Wife’s Cancer Battle

Jon Batiste

Netflix released the trailer for American Symphony on Thursday. The documentary featuring Jon Batiste and his wife, Suleika Jaouad, premieres Nov. 29.

Executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama among others, the film chronicles Batiste and Jaouad’s journey through her cancer diagnosis and treatment. The day Batiste received 11 Grammy nominations in 2022, Jaouad learned her cancer had returned.

Batiste spends time in the hospital with Jaouad in clips from the film, talking to doctors. He also composes his original symphony for Carnegie Hall.

According to the press release, “In the midst of that triumph, Jon is immersed in his most ambitious challenge yet: composing American Symphony, an original symphony that reimagines the traditions of the classical form, bringing together an expansive and inclusive diaspora of music for a performance at storied Carnegie Hall. This extraordinary trajectory is upended when Batiste’s life partner — best-selling author Suleika Jaouad — learns that her long-dormant cancer has returned. 

Watch the Trailer for American Symphony: