Russell Batiste Jr.

Sincere condolences to David Russell Batiste Jr family, many, many friends and legions of fans. David Russell Batiste Jr was a New Orleans-based funk drummer who played for the Funky Meters, Nuclear Rhythms, Papa Grows Funk, and Vida Blue, among others. He was greatly admired by his fellow artists and all those who knew him. He will be truly miss. May family, friends and extended family cherish his memories and the music he played. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of David Russell Batiste Jr. May his remarkable music ability as a drummer keep his memory alive forever.

My condolences.

My son was learning to play drums at Hynes School. He was in 4th grade. There was a concert at school and my son didn't have a drum. Russel's family member was the band teacher, so Russel came to the event. My son ended up getting to sit in Russel's lap and play the big bass drum with Russel. (I think that is what they call that big drum.) This was not a planned thing. Russel did it out of the kindness of his heart and his love of playing drums. He made both my son and I smile proudly by giving my son a way to be part of the Christmas concert. I heard him play many times after that. He was a uniquely talented drummer and a part of the city of New Orleans' family of musicians. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

Couldn´t be a first line cuz the second line you showed so fine. Being a cub at Tulane and meeting you with Christopher Wyckoff backstage for the Blues Vipers, and that was all she wrote. Endless eves Galavanting through NOLA , at your beloved Maple Leaf, night owls of revelry, you let your soul hang out for all to see, unabashedly, gleefully, and without premise. You were you, and ain´t jack gonna change that fact. Our jaunts around LA in Bessie my Jeep with your infectious laugh howling out into the air was one of the highlights of my nocturnal times. A slippery slope it was, but no better partner in crime than the shine your smile conveyed. How many pictures of black kitties can we exchange?? How much mirth can one soul bring? And how much love do I have for you. FaceTiming you at High Sierra this year was I guess the last time I actually saw you. Did you like your tour? Were the kits set up to your liking? Ha! Cuz reveries of you, will make me blue, as it´s so true, that you´ve transcended through. Everybody better WAKE UP. It´s about to get real funky up there in the place beyond the skies. Love to your family, and beloved NOLA. And love to you, Russ. Now and forever. Xo lp RIP Russell Batiste

I will miss you. Thank you for staying with the people at home. Thank you for being nice to me at Maple Leaf where I would see you.

David "Mac" McDaniel

Prayers for the Batiste family, May God be you all in your time of loss.

God Bless You Russ you were a bright light with Mega talent. One of my childhood memories was when we would all hang out @ "Beach Night"
(Pontchartrain Beach) we would talk and laugh on the phone until we were told to hang up that phone! (Moms) Lol. We did get to see each other and talk @ Maple Leaf in recent years. My condolences and prayers with special intentions to Ms. Pat and your siblings. We Love you Russ Always.

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

R.I.P. Russell my condolences