Paul Andrea Batiste

Paul Andrea Batiste was born on December 18, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the 3rd son to John Jeffery Jean-Batiste and Estella Batiste. Paul departed this earthly domain on April 25, 2025. He is preceded in death by his loving parents.
Paul shared a profound and enduring bond with his brothers John, David, Michael, Peter, James, and Thomas. Their bond has stood the test of time, and only they know what it truly means to be their "Brother's Keeper".
Paul was raised in the Catholic Church and was baptized at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where his early faith and family traditions were deeply rooted.
Paul attended George Washington Elementary School. Later, he attended Bunche Village Jr. High School. He had a brief stent at St. Augustine High School, but ultimately graduated from Walter L. Cohen High School in 1968.
Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968, he was assigned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 71H, Clerk Typist. In this role, he managed the base mailroom, distributed official correspondence, worked in the Provost Marshal's Office, and was responsible for escorting prisoners and securing sensitive shipments across the country. During his service, Paul formed a close friendship with Clifford Richardson, a Military Police patrol officer. Together, they channeled their shared passion for music by forming a band that performed regularly on base, offering entertainment and fostering camaraderie among fellow soldiers. These performances not only honed Paul's musical skills but also reinforced the importance of community and morale-values that would permeate his future work.After being honorably discharged in 1971, Paul returned to New Orleans, where he applied the discipline and leadership qualities acquired during his military service to his burgeoning career in music and education. The Batiste Brothers Band was officially formed in 1976 by Paul, though its roots go back to the earlier work of David Batiste and The Gladiators in the 1960s. Simultaneously, he pursued a degree in Instrumental Music Education at Southern University at New Orleans, graduating in 1978. His commitment to education led him to teach music in over 15 schools across the city since 1978.
Paul's role extended beyond performance; he was the band's leader and manager, overseeing its creative direction and administrative affairs. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the band through international tours and collaborations with legendary artists such as Jackie Wilson, The Temptations, and Isaac Hayes.
The Batiste family's musical legacy didn't stop with the brothers. Paul played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation, including his nephews Jon Batiste and Jamal Batiste, and his son Travis Batiste. He managed and recorded them as the "Batiste Kids," nurturing their talents from a young age.
Their collective efforts extended beyond music into cultural advocacy. The Batiste Brothers Band sponsored several art schools in New Orleans, including the Batiste Cultural Academy at Xavier University and the Paul A. Batiste Conservatory of the Arts
Through decades of collaboration, mentorship, and shared passion, Paul and his brothers not only enriched the musical tapestry of New Orleans but also solidified the Batiste name as a symbol of familial unity and cultural excellence.
Paul is a legend not only in the city of New Orleans but around the world. Despite the hustle and bustle, the late nights and early mornings, the miles traveled and gigs played, Paul's most cherished and admirable title was simply "Dad".
He was the proud father of three remarkable individuals, Arkette, Tangy, and Travis. With a span of 15 years between the oldest and youngest, each experienced a different version of Paul. Yet through all seasons of his life, one thing never wavered: his unwavering love for them and his steadfast commitment to their success. Paul's daughter, Arkette, followed in his footsteps and became an awarded and accomplished choral director in Dallas, TX in her own right. Tangy has 26 years of employment with the state of Illinois, serving as the Quality Assurance Statewide Manager for the Division of Rehabilitation Services within the Illinois Department of Human Resources. In addition, she is a United States Army National Guard veteran, having served honorably for 10 years. She is a devoted wife and mother of 25 years, giving Paul his first two grandchildren Patrick Jr. and Nicholus. Travis, Paul's only son and youngest child, is an accomplished pharmacist, musician (bass guitar, drum, and piano), and personal trainer. He is a dedicated husband and father to three beautiful children, Giovanni (11), Gianna (4), and Gian Paul (2).
Though his passing leaves an unfillable void, his spirit lives on in each of them. His love, his lessons, and his legacy will continue-in their hearts, in their lives, and in the rhythm of every beat that carries his name.
Let us not forget Paul's beloved life partner, Debbie Butler. Together since 1982, Debbie stood by Paul's side through thick and thin-through every high note and hard day. In 1983, she gave birth to their son, Travis, and from that moment on, she was not only a devoted mother but also a supportive partner as Paul guided Travis through both school and music.
Debbie has been the quiet strength behind the scenes, the glue that helped hold it all together. Her unwavering love and commitment were a constant in Paul's life and an anchor for their family.
The Batiste Family has lost an integral piece, but his memory will live on forever.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving partner of 43 years, Debbie Butler; three children, Arkette Michele Baptiste of Dallas Texas, Tangy Washington Williams (Patrick) of Chicago, IL; Travis Andre Jean Batiste (Adrienne) of River Ridge, LA. Five grandchildren, Patrick D. Williams, Jr., Nicholus M. Williams, Giovanni Elijah Paul Batiste, Gianna Andrea Nicole Batiste, Gian Paul Batiste, and the fluffiest Grand-Cat Whiskey Bluez Baptiste; Brothers John Jeffery Batiste, Jr. (Gayle; Shirin) of California, David Batiste of New Orleans, LA, Michael Batiste (Kathy) of Kenner, LA, Peter Batiste of Kenner, LA, James Batiste (Naomi) of Denver, Colorado, and Thomas Batiste of Studio City, California; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, students, and musicians all over the world.
Relatives and friends of the family are all invited to attend his Celebration of Life Service on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 12:00PM, at St. Katherine Drexel Chapel (Xavier University), 3932 Pine St, New Orleans, LA 70125. Visitation will be held from 11:00AM until the hour of service. Interment Private