Recognizing the Loss of A Great Musician and Outstanding Life of David Russell Batiste, Jr.
Floor Speech
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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an outstanding gentleman, legendary drummer, and New Orleans musical prodigy David Russell Batiste, Jr. Born on December 12, 1965, Mr. Batiste was known for providing the backbeat in groups such as The Funky Meters, Papa Grows Funk, Vida Blue and other well-known Crescent City bands. After years of musical achievement, Batiste passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the tender age of 57.
Raised in a musical household, Mr. Batiste started behind the drum kit at the young age of 4. Additionally, he learned to play the keyboard, saxophone, guitar, and bass, officially taking a slot in the family band when he was only 7 years old. He and his brother, Damon, joined the Batiste Brothers Band when they were still in grade school. To avoid being confused with his father, David Jr. used his middle name, Russell.
At St. Augustine High School, Russell drummed for the school's Marching 100 marching band. After graduating in 1983, he attended Southern University, where he studied under the late jazz saxophonist, Edward ``Kidd'' Jordan. After 2 years, he left Southern to become the drummer for singer Charmaine Neville.
The brothers made their New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival debut in 1978 under the band name Young Gifted & Black. They returned the following year with the Batiste Brothers Band, launching a career that eventually landed them a spot with the Funky Meters, the reincarnation of the original New Orleans funk band, The Meters, featuring talents such as George Porter Jr., Brian Stolz, and Art Neville. Mr. Batiste was also a member of the all-star trio, Vida Blue, featuring Phish keyboardist, Page McConnell, and Allman Brothers Band and Dead & Company bassist, Oteil Burbridge.
As a solo artist, Batiste Jr. and the Orkestra from `Da Hood released two full-length albums, including the 2000 self-titled set and 2003's The Clinic. In time, the musician climbed the musical ranks, receiving praise from iconic musicians such as Rolling Stones' front man, Mick Jagger.
Mr. Batiste frequently joined organ player, Joe Krown, and guitarist, Walter ``Wolfman'' Washington, to preform as the ``Krown Washington Batiste Trio.'' The trio ultimately produced a live album titled, Live at the Maple Leaf, in 2008. Batiste carved out a legacy performing alongside Papa Grows Funk, Harry Connick, Jr., Maceo Parker, Champion Jack Dupree, and the late Robbie Robertson among other celebrated groups.
Until the musician's passing, he participated in weekly gigs every Sunday at Le Bon Temps Roule. Just last week, Batiste returned to his former high school to watch the football game, alongside other members of the class of 1983. Prior to the tragic news, Batiste was scheduled to perform three sets at NOLA Funk Fest with his band, the Gladiators, and Leo Nocentelli.
``He never was interested in accolades and money,'' stated his brother, Damon Batiste. ``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.''
Following the artist's passing, family, friends, collaborators, and others shared memories of admiration for Batiste. Included was the musician's brother, Damon Batiste, who wrote, ``It's a very sad day, I lost a brother, a friend, and a bandmate for life. We will share all details but remember fame and fortune mean nothing without having the ones that mean the most to share in your success.''
Oteil Burbridge shared, ``If you knew Russell Batiste, then you know there are no words to describe his talents or his insanely funny personality. Some people live with their knobs turned to 11. I'm pretty sure that I never laughed any harder than when we shared these times.'' The sentimental message also included thanks to Phish's McConnell for bringing them together in a jam session.
Legendary musician, Cyril Neville, chimed in via Facebook, writin: ``Russell Batiste is a New Orleans root culture originator from one of the most prolific music families New Orleans ever produced. The only way to possibly be funkier than Russell is to be born a Skunk! One of a kind!''
Jon Batiste shared a heartfelt message. ``He spoke his mind with conviction and didn't ever hold his tongue but somehow, in equal parts, with swagger and compassion. He could be both demanding and magnetic all at once, leaving an impression wherever he was. I've never had stories of a family member relayed to me by strangers more than about Russ. He could always see the best in people and brought the best out in them, especially in other musicians. Every musician I've ever seen him on a stage with was in awe of him. It was The Russell Batiste University and class was always in session. I didn't fully realize it until later on in my life, but he was a flat-out genius. It's only because as a kid I just saw him as family. Also, you don't assume that you'll ever be up close to that kind of genius, let alone within your own family.''
Musicians across the world are eternally grateful for the vision, guidance, and leadership of Russell Batiste. He will forever be remembered for all his contributions to advancing music in New Orleans.
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