Data News Staff Edited Report
Russell Batiste Jr., the celebrated New Orleans drummer whose rhythms powered such bands as the Funky Meters and Vida Blue, has died. He was 57.
Batiste’s death of a heart attack on Saturday was confirmed by his brother Damon Batiste, according to NOLA.com.
“He was like a son to me,” Meters Guitarist Leo Nocentelli said Sunday, shortly after learning of Russell’s death. “I didn’t know how much he meant to me until now. It’s a helluva loss to New Orleans music and culture.”
For decades, Russell served as a pillar of the New Orleans music community. The long list of bands with which he performed includes George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, Dumpstaphunk, Bonerama, Papa Grows Funk, Robbie Robertson, Maceo Parker, and many more, in addition to his own Russell Batiste & Friends.
More to come perhaps
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