"Uncle" Lionel Batiste was the longtime bass drummer for the Treme Brass Band and a beloved New Orleans character.



Lionel Batiste was an iconic figure in the brass band community and the larger world of New Orleans music. With his omnipresent sunglasses, a wristwatch worn across his hand, and his kazoo, he literally moved to the beat of his own drum.



With the Treme Brass Band, he recorded two albums, anchoring arrangements with his bass drum.



His signature slide and hop came from studying an older drummer named Papa Knox.



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.



Internationally, Batiste has served as leader of the daily Moldejazz parade since 2000. He was king of the Krewe du Vieux for 2003.



Lionel Batiste died at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center on early Sunday, July 8, 2012 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 80.