About Lionel Batiste
Lived 1931 – 2012 (aged 81). Lionel Batiste was an American jazz musician, singer, percussionist and dancer.
"Uncle" Lionel Paul Batiste Sr. (February 11, 1931 – July 8, 2012) was an American jazz and blues musician and singer from New Orleans.
Biography He began his music career at the age of 11 playing bass drum with the Square Deal Social & Pleasure Club. He was the bass drummer, vocalist and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band; known for his kazoo playing and singing as well, and has recorded a CD as a vocalist.
Besides inspiring younger musicians with his playing, he served as a role model to many of them: trumpeter Kermit Ruffins calls Batiste his "total influence," saying that Batiste "taught [him] how to act, how to dress, how to feel about life." Internationally, Batiste has served as leader of the daily Moldejazz parade since 2000. He was king of the Krewe du Vieux for 2003.
Batiste died in 2012 and had a Catholic funeral at the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts.
Collaborations With Elvis Costello Spike (Warner Bros. Records, 1989) Mighty Like a Rose (Warner Bros. Records, 1991)
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Important facts
People in Lionel Batiste's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Lionel Batiste?
American jazz and blues musician (1931–2012)
When was Lionel Batiste born?
Lionel Batiste was born on 11 February 1931 in New Orleans.
When did Lionel Batiste die?
Lionel Batiste died on 8 July 2012 in Jefferson.
What was Lionel Batiste's occupation?
Lionel Batiste was a jazz musician, singer, percussionist and dancer.
What nationality was Lionel Batiste?
Lionel Batiste was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Lionel Batiste. https://biography.guide/lionel-batiste/
MLA: "Lionel Batiste." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/lionel-batiste/.
Chicago: "Lionel Batiste." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/lionel-batiste/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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