Russell Batiste Jr.

David Russell Batiste Jr. (December 12, 1965 – September 30, 2023) was an American drummer based in New Orleans. Batiste played drums for the bands the funky Meters, Papa Grows Funk, and Vida Blue.

Biography David Russell Batiste Jr. was born in New Orleans on December 12, 1965. He was a member of the New Orleans musical family, the Batiste family; he started playing drums at the age of four.

Batiste performed with a wide range of musicians and bands including Papa Grows Funk, Vida Blue, Harry Connick Jr., Champion Jack Dupree, Robbie Robertson and Maceo Parker. His funeral was scheduled for October 10 at St. Katharine Drexel Church in New Orleans.

Awards and honors

OffBeat's Best of The Beat Awards + Year Category Work nominated Result Ref. 2009 Best R&B/Funk Album Live at the Maple Leaf (with Joe Krown and Walter “Wolfman” Washington) 2023 Best Drummer With The funky Meters 2003 Fiyo at the Fillmore, Vol. 1 (Fuel 2000)

With Vida Blue 2002 Vida Blue (Elektra) 2003 The Illustrated Band (Sanctuary) 2019 Crossing Lines (ATO Records)

With Porter Batiste Stoltz 2005 Expanding The Funkin' Universe (Ouw) 2008 Moodoo (High Steppin' Productions)

With Krown Washington Batiste 2008 Live at the Maple Leaf (Independent) 2010 Triple Threat (Independent) 2013 Soul Understanding (Independent)