Lionel Batiste | |
|---|---|
 "Uncle" Lionel Batiste (in derby hat) with "Papa" Don Vappie (with banjo) | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lionel Batiste |
| Also known as | "Uncle" Lionel Batiste |
| Born | February 11, 1931 New Orleans, Louisiana, US |
| Died | July 8, 2012 (aged 81)[1] |
| Genres | Jazz, blues |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, bass drum |
"Uncle" Lionel Batiste (February 11, 1931 – July 8, 2012) was an American jazz and blues musician and singer from New Orleans. He began his music career at the age of 11 playing bass drum with the Square Deal Social & Pleasure Club. He was the bass drummer, vocalist and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band; known for his kazoo playing and singing as well, and has recorded a CD as a vocalist.
Besides inspiring younger musicians with his playing, he served as a role model to many of them: trumpeter Kermit Ruffins calls Batiste his "total influence," saying that Batiste "taught [him] how to act, how to dress, how to feel about life."[2] Internationally, Batiste has served as leader of the daily Moldejazz parade since 2000. He was king of the Krewe du Vieux for 2003.[3]
Batiste died in 2012.[4]
- ^ Allman, Kevin. "Uncle Lionel Batiste: 1931–2012 | Blog of New Orleans". Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
- ^ "Welcome to the Best of New Orleans! Feature 04 13 04". BestOfNewOrleans.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2004. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
- ^ "Krewe du Vieux". Krewe du Vieux. February 4, 2012. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
- ^ Times-Picayune, Keith Spera, NOLA com | The (July 21, 2012). "'Uncle' Lionel Batiste's musical funeral service was a fitting send-off". NOLA.com. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
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