Lionel Batiste
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"Uncle" Lionel Batiste is a 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." [1]