A beloved member of the New Orleans music scene and one of the most highly-regarded drummers in the world has died.
In a post on Facebook, Damien Batiste confirmed that his brother, Russell Batiste, died at the age of 57. According to our partners at WWL-TV, Batiste died of a heart attack.
“It's a Very Sad Day, I lost a Brother, A Friend and a Bandmate For Life,” Damon Batiste said in a Facebook post. “Heart Broken, Devastated as an Incredible Soul is gone too soon. Our Brotherhood bond will never be forgotten or replaced. A True Purple Knight Marching 100 now in his Resting place.”
Russell Batiste started playing music at a young age, learning how to play drums, keys, guitar, bass, and saxophone. He joined his family’s band at the age of seven. He later played with the likes of Charmaine Neville, the Funky Meters, Harry Connick, Jr., Maceo Parker, and many other musicians. Batiste also fronted his own band, Russell Batiste, Jr., and the Orkestra from ’Da Hood, and released two albums under that name.
Mick Jagger once described Batiste as “the world’s greatest drummer.” Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart described Batiste as “a singular talent, one of the funkiest drummers to ever live.”
Today, we lost a living legend and one of the greatest drummers to ever represent New Orleans. Russell Batiste was a...
Posted by Mickey Hart on Sunday, October 1, 2023
Funeral arrangements are pending.
