Russell Batiste Jr., a New Orleans-based American drummer, died on October 1, 2023.
David Russell Batiste Jr. was well-known for his contributions to New Orleans’ thriving music scene, a city noted for its rich musical tradition. He was a gifted drummer who contributed significantly to a variety of musical genres, including jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues.
Keep reading to know more about Russell Batiste Jr. and his cause of death in detail.
Russell Batiste Jr. passed away
The death of David Russell Batiste Jr., an American drummer residing in New Orleans, on October 1, 2023, at the age of 58, leaves a hole in the music industry. His death is undeniably a tremendous loss to the music community, particularly in New Orleans, where he was instrumental in conserving and furthering the city’s distinct musical traditions.
On Facebook, Damon Batiste, the brother of Russell Batiste Jr., announced and reported the death.
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 means nothing without having the ones that means the most to share in your Success.
At Least I Was By My Brothers Side and Thank God was not out of the Country as my Dad Says. My Brother will be missed by the World. Will give him honor and glory he deserves. Family will issue a Public Statement once my Parents give the ok. New Orleans has lost one of it’s very Best true Musicians who inspired so many. Family
Heart Broken, Devastated as an Incredible Soul is gone to soon. Our Brotherhood bond will never be forgotten or replaced. A True Purple Knight Marching 100 now in his Resting place.
He was a member of a legendary musical dynasty, as his father, David Batiste Sr., was also a prominent figure in New Orleans music. This family history led David Russell Batiste Jr. to develop his musical abilities and passion, and he went on to become a well-known musician in his own right.
David Russell Batiste Jr.’s presence and contributions to this community would have left an unforgettable mark. His death would have been felt strongly by musicians who appreciated his work, learned from his craft, or simply liked the music he created.
About Russell Batiste Jr.
David Russell Batiste Jr. was a New Orleans-based American drummer. Batiste, who grew up in a musical family, began playing the drums at the age of four. He also learnt to play the keyboards, saxophone, guitar, and bass, and began playing in the family band when he was seven years old.
After two years, Batiste dropped out of college to join Charmaine Neville’s band. In 1989, he joined the Funky Meters, a resurrection of the funk band The Meters. Porter Batiste Stoltz (PBS) is the latest incarnation of the funky Meters without Art Neville. (Brian Stoltz on guitar, George Porter Jr. on bass)
As a solo musician, he heads his own band Russell Batiste Jr. and the Orkestra from ‘Da Hood, with whom he has released two albums. Batiste is also a member of the Krown Washington Batiste trio, which includes organist Joe Krown and guitarist Walter “Wolfman” Washington. In 2008, this band released a live CD titled Live at the Maple Leaf.
Batiste has collaborated with a diverse range of artists and bands, including Papa Grows Funk, Vida Blue, Harry Connick Jr., Champion Jack Dupree, Robbie Robertson, and Maceo Parker. In 1987, Batiste was a member of the New Orleans funk band Nuclear Rhythms, which also included drummer and songwriter Rosie Rosato, psychedelic funk guitarist and songwriter Dirk Billie, bassist and composer Mark Adam Miller, and guitar and keyboard player David M. Brown.
Russell Batiste Jr. cause of death
According to his brother Damon Batiste, Russell Batiste Jr. passed away in his sleep after suffering a heart attack, which sheds some light on the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise. Regardless of the circumstances, his contributions to the world of music and the impact he had on those who knew and appreciated him will be remembered and honored.
Tributes to Russell Batiste Jr.
The outpouring of condolences from musicians like as Cris Jacobs, Renée Gros, Austin Paul Jr., and many more on Facebook in response to Russell Batiste Jr.’s death reveals the broad scope of his influence within the music community. These passionate messages of sympathy reflect the industry’s and its members’ great feeling of loss.
Sound Engineer Austin Paul Jr. wrote: “Rip 
To My Newley Friend And Brother and Legendary Drummer Russell Batiste. A true Legend in New Orleans Thank you for the Wisdom that you gave me, the HangOuts, and Countless Stories you shared with me through your musician Journey although I didn’t know you long youEmbraced me like I was your own man Prayers to my brother Damon Batiste and the whole Batiste Family
“
Musician Cris Jacobs wrote: “Damn 
Woke up to the news that Russell Batiste has passed. I met Russell 20 years ago and he hired me to be in his band for a tour. Riding in the van with him was an adventure and an education. A larger than life personality and a musical genius. There was NO ONE more fierce behind the kit than prime Russell. Period. He was my first introduction into the beautiful world of New Orleans music. He taught me how to “chank”. He cooked me dinner at his house when I came to town. He was a friend. Very sad to hear that he has passed on. Rest in power Russell Batiste Jr.
“
Russell Batiste Jr. Obituary
Batiste was more than a talented drummer; he was an inspiration and a symbol of musical greatness. His contributions to the industry, particularly in jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues, were internationally recognized. As word of his death spread, musicians of different backgrounds and styles found common ground in their respect for his work, underscoring his influence across multiple musical spheres. In short, the music community’s outpouring of grief for Russell Batiste Jr. was a honor to the immense impact one person can have on a broad and diverse network of musicians and fans. His legacy has continued to reverberate, reminding everyone of music’s eternal capacity to bring people together, especially in times of grief.
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Coverage: Obituary, Crime, Missing, Entertainment
Editor, please correct: one of the great bands Russell Batiste, Jr. was in was called The Funky Meters, NOT the groovy Meters. He WAS the funk! R.I.P. my friend. Thank you.
A Friend and Fan
Wow, this blow me away! Just saw my boy at the Jazz Fest when he was crowned the King! We played in the Jazz Band together at Suno under the late “Kidd” Jordan. We created a lot of memories during our studies there and other life experiences. I remember practicing with Russ at his home in Kenner and we would shade all day, listening to ALL genres of music while his little brother, Jamal would crawl around and grab a stick or two. He exposed me to a lot being a drummer too and served as a motivator and mentor to me. Not only will I miss his inspiration, most importantly, I will miss his extremely kind heart and his unwavering friendship!! Love you my brother, RIP and I’ll see you on the other side !!!
Kenny Ray