Lionel Batiste

Infobox musical artist
Name = Lionel Batiste

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Img_capt = "Uncle" Lionel Batiste (in derby hat) with "Papa" Don Vappie (with banjo)
Img_size = 200
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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Lionel Batiste
Alias = "Uncle" Lionel Batiste
Born = Birth date and age|1931|2|1|df=y
Died =
Origin = flagicon|USANew Orleans, Louisiana
Instrument = Vocals
Bass drum
Voice_type =
Genre = Jazz
Blues music
Occupation = Singer
Years_active =
Label =
Associated_acts = Treme Brass Band
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members =
Notable_instruments =

"Uncle" Lionel Batiste is a jazz and blues musician and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Born 1 February, 1931, he began in music career at the age of 11 playing bass drum with the Square Deal Social & Pleasure Club. He is currently the bass drummer, vocalist and assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band; he is known for his kazoo playing as well. He also sings, and has recorded a cd as a vocalist.

Besides inspiring younger musicians with his playing, he serves 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." [http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2004-04-13/feat.html] Internationally, Batiste has served as leader of the daily Moldejazz parade since 2000.

References

* [http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2004-04-13/feat.html "Lionel of All Trades". BestofNewOrleans.com, April 13, 2004.]