New Orleans Drummer Russell Batiste Jr. Has Died
The member of Vida Blue and the funky Meters was 57.
By Andy Kahn Oct 2, 2023 • 7:43 am PDT
New Orleans drummer Russell Batiste Jr. has died at age 57. Batiste was a member of the funky Meters, Vida Blue and Papa Grows Funk, and contributed to many other projects as well.
The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com reported Batiste died at his home in LaPlace, Louisiana on Saturday, September 30. Batiste’s brother Damon Batiste told the outlet that a heart attack was the cause of death.
Born David Russell Batiste, Jr. on December 12, 1965 in New Orleans, his father David Batiste led the influential funk band The Gladiators. The elder Batiste was also part of the Batiste Brothers Band. Comprising over 25 musical members, the Batiste family also includes Jon Batiste, Paul Batiste, Harold Batiste, Alvin Batiste, Lionel Batiste, Jamal Batiste and Damon Batiste, among others.
Eventually calling himself “Russell” to avoid confusion with his father, the younger Batiste took up drums at age 4. Within three years Russell was performing with his family members and while still in elementary school had learned to play guitar, bass, trumpet and keyboards.
While attending St. Augustine High School, Russell was a member of the prestigious Marching One Hundred Band and earned a music scholarship to attend Southern University of New Orleans. Russell left school to tour as a member of the Charmaine Neville Band.
In 1989, Russell joined Art Neville and George Porter Jr. of the legendary New Orleans funk band The Meters to form the funky METERS with guitarist Brian Stoltz. Russell also performed for many years with Porter’s Runnin’ Pardners band.
In 2001, Phish keyboardist Page McConnell recruited Russell and bassist Oteil Burbridge to form Vida Blue. The trio’s self-titled debut album, recorded primarily in New Orleans, was released in 2002.
“It was devastating to wake up today to the news of Russell’s passing,” wrote McConnell. “He was like a brother to me.”
“If you knew [Russell Batiste] then you know there are no words to describe his talents or his insanely funny personality,” wrote Burbridge. “Some people live with their knobs turned to 11.”
Vida Blue’s second album, Illustrated Band came out the following year and featured the Spam Allstars. Vida Blue’s third album, Crossing Lines was released 15 years later and included newest member, guitarist Adam Zimmon. After only touring sporadically, Vida Blue’s last show was in 2019.
In addition to helming Russell Batiste Jr. and The Orkestra From ‘Da Hood and Russell Batiste & Friends, his long list of credits includes playing with Papa Grows Funk, Harry Connick, Jr., Robbie Robertson, Maceo Parker, Dumpstaphunk, Bonerama, Joe Krown Trio and many others.
