Lionel Batiste

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, USA
Died July 8, 2012 (aged 81)[1]
Genres Jazz, blues
Occupation(s) Singer
Instruments Vocals, bass drum
Associated acts Treme Brass Band

"Uncle" Lionel Batiste (February 11, 1931 – July 8, 2012) was a 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]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lionel Batiste.
  1. Allman, Kevin. "Uncle Lionel Batiste: 1931–2012 | Blog of New Orleans". Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  2. "Welcome to the Best of New Orleans! Feature 04 13 04". BestOfNewOrleans.com. Archived from the original on 2004-05-24. Retrieved 2012-07-09.
  3. "Krewe du Vieux". Krewe du Vieux. 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2012-07-09.

External links