The music world was saddened over the weekend by the passing of beloved New Orleans drummer Russell Batiste Jr. at the age of 57 after suffering a heart attack. In the time since Batiste’s passing was publicized, many artists have posted memories and stories about not just his musical abilities but the welcoming, encouraging role he played in the New Orleans music world and beyond.
For decades, Russell served as a pillar of the New Orleans music community. The long list of bands with which he performed includes The Funky Meters, George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, Dumpstaphunk, Bonerama, Papa Grows Funk, Robbie Robertson, Maceo Parker, his relative, Jon Batiste, and plenty more, in addition to his own Russell Batiste & Friends. Having played with everyone from Harry Connick Jr. to Phish keyboardist Page McConnell in Vida Blue, Batiste developed a reputation for his ferocity behind the drum kit. Despite praise even from the likes of Mick Jagger, Batiste remained committed to his local New Orleans community and often stuck close to home. Rather than touring around the world, he preferred to play his local haunts with friends and family.
“He never was interested in accolades and money,” said Damon Batiste, Russell’s brother, when confirming the news to NOLA.com. “He wanted to make the music right. Russell loved New Orleans more than anything. He just wanted to be at the Maple Leaf Bar and Le Bon Temps Roule. Russell should have been playing stadiums, not music clubs. You don’t have talent like that in a bar.”
Read a selection of tributes to the late Russell Batiste from his fellow musicians below.
George Porter Jr. (The Funky Meters)
Jon Batiste
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Page McConnell (Phish, Vida Blue)
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Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company, Allman Brothers Band, Vida Blue)
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Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science)
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Nikki Glaspie (The Nth Power)
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Khris Royal
Cris Jacobs
Papa Mali
The post “New Orleans Will Not Be The Same Without You”: Musicians Remember Russell Batiste Jr. [Photos/Videos] appeared first on L4LM.
