[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1174-E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE LOSS OF A GREAT MUSICIAN AND OUTSTANDING LIFE OF DAVID 
                          RUSSELL BATISTE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an 
outstanding gentleman, legendary drummer, and New Orleans musical 
prodigy David Russell Batiste, Jr. Born on December 12, 1965, Mr. 
Batiste was known for providing the backbeat in groups such as The 
Funky Meters, Papa Grows Funk, Vida Blue and other well-known Crescent 
City bands. After years of musical achievement, Batiste passed away on 
Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the tender age of 57.
  Raised in a musical household, Mr. Batiste started behind the drum 
kit at the young age of 4. Additionally, he learned to play the 
keyboard, saxophone, guitar, and bass, officially taking a slot in the 
family band when he was only 7 years old. He and his brother, Damon, 
joined the Batiste Brothers Band when they were still in grade school. 
To avoid being confused with his father, David Jr. used his middle 
name, Russell.
  At St. Augustine High School, Russell drummed for the school's 
Marching 100 marching band. After graduating in 1983, he attended 
Southern University, where he studied under the late jazz saxophonist, 
Edward ``Kidd'' Jordan. After 2 years, he left Southern to become the 
drummer for singer Charmaine Neville.
  The brothers made their New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival debut in 
1978 under the band name Young Gifted & Black. They returned the 
following year with the Batiste Brothers Band, launching a career that 
eventually landed them a spot with the Funky Meters, the reincarnation 
of the original New Orleans funk band, The Meters, featuring talents 
such as George Porter Jr., Brian Stolz, and Art Neville. Mr. Batiste 
was also a member of the all-star trio, Vida Blue, featuring Phish 
keyboardist, Page McConnell, and Allman Brothers Band and Dead & 
Company bassist, Oteil Burbridge.
  As a solo artist, Batiste Jr. and the Orkestra from `Da Hood released 
two full-length albums, including the 2000 self-titled set and 2003's 
The Clinic. In time, the musician climbed the musical ranks, receiving 
praise from iconic musicians such as Rolling Stones' front man, Mick 
Jagger.
  Mr. Batiste frequently joined organ player, Joe Krown, and guitarist, 
Walter ``Wolfman'' Washington, to preform as the ``Krown Washington 
Batiste Trio.'' The trio ultimately produced a live album titled, Live 
at the Maple Leaf, in 2008. Batiste carved out a legacy performing 
alongside Papa Grows Funk, Harry Connick, Jr., Maceo Parker, Champion 
Jack Dupree, and the late Robbie Robertson among other celebrated 
groups.
  Until the musician's passing, he participated in weekly gigs every 
Sunday at Le Bon Temps Roule. Just last week, Batiste returned to his 
former high school to watch the football game, alongside other members 
of the class of 1983. Prior to the tragic news, Batiste was scheduled 
to perform three sets at NOLA Funk Fest with his band, the Gladiators, 
and Leo Nocentelli.
  ``He never was interested in accolades and money,'' stated his 
brother, Damon Batiste. ``He wanted to make the music right. Russell 
loved New Orleans more than anything. He just wanted to be at the Maple 
Leaf Bar and Le Bon Temps Roule.''
  Following the artist's passing, family, friends, collaborators, and 
others shared memories of admiration for Batiste. Included was the 
musician's brother, Damon Batiste, who wrote, ``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 mean nothing without having the 
ones that mean the most to share in your success.''
  Oteil Burbridge shared, ``If you knew Russell Batiste, then you know 
there are no words to describe his talents or his insanely funny 
personality. Some people live with their knobs turned to 11. I'm pretty 
sure that I never laughed any harder than when we shared these times.'' 
The sentimental message also included thanks to Phish's McConnell for 
bringing them together in a jam session.
  Legendary musician, Cyril Neville, chimed in via Facebook, writin: 
``Russell Batiste is a New Orleans root culture originator from one of 
the most prolific music families New Orleans ever produced. The only 
way to possibly be funkier than Russell is to be born a Skunk! One of a 
kind!''
  Jon Batiste shared a heartfelt message. ``He spoke his mind with 
conviction and didn't ever hold his tongue but somehow, in equal parts, 
with swagger and compassion. He could be both demanding and magnetic 
all at once, leaving an impression wherever he was. I've never had 
stories of a family member relayed

[[Page E1175]]

to me by strangers more than about Russ. He could always see the best 
in people and brought the best out in them, especially in other 
musicians. Every musician I've ever seen him on a stage with was in awe 
of him. It was The Russell Batiste University and class was always in 
session. I didn't fully realize it until later on in my life, but he 
was a flat-out genius. It's only because as a kid I just saw him as 
family. Also, you don't assume that you'll ever be up close to that 
kind of genius, let alone within your own family.''
  Musicians across the world are eternally grateful for the vision, 
guidance, and leadership of Russell Batiste. He will forever be 
remembered for all his contributions to advancing music in New Orleans.

                          ____________________