Remembering Russell Batiste Jr.
December 12, 1965 – September 30, 2023
A tribute to the New Orleans drummer
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Drummer David Russell Batiste Jr. passed away on Sept. 30, 2023 at the age of 57.
He was born as David Russell Batiste Jr. on Dec. 12, 1965 in New Orleans.
Surrounded by music throughout his life, Batiste began playing drums when he was four and also learned keyboards, saxophone, guitar and bass.
He started playing with his family band when he was just seven, went to college for two years, and dropped out to join Charmaine Neville’s band.
Batiste spent much of his life playing in New Orleans r&b bands.
Along the way he worked with the Funky Meters, George Porter Jr, guitarist Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Harry Connick Jr, Champion Jack Dupree, Maceo Parker, Robbie Robertson, and Papa Grows Funk among others.
The drummer also led two albums of his own and headed Russell Batiste Jr. and the Orkestra from ‘Da Hood.’
He is seen here leading his band in 2013
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald