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(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
- ^ 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.
- Lionel of All Trades. BestofNewOrleans.com, April 13, 2004 at the Wayback Machine (archived May 24, 2004).
- Matters of Great Importance: Uncle Batiste’s Stolen Drum. BestofNewOrleans.com, February 5, 2010.
- Gambit Weekly obit
- New Orleans Celebrates the Life of a Bandleader. New York Times, July 17, 2012.
External links
- Uncle Lionel Batiste, Treme Brass Band bass drummer, dies Keith Spera, Times-Picayune
- Lionel Batiste at IMDb