Lionel Batiste (1931-2012)

Lionel Batiste, the bass drummer/vocalist/assistant leader of the Treme Brass Band has passed away at 81.

Batiste had gained wider recognition in recent years thanks to the HBO show "Treme" which featured the band regularly. Batiste had been with the band since it started in 1995 and had been playing the bass drum since childhood.

Also known as "Uncle Lionel," Batiste had a strong impact on the New Orleans music scene, serving as an influence and Role model to many young artists, among them, Kermit Ruffins who called Batiste his "total influence."

Batiste had been ill for about a month before he passed and the "Treme 2012" bicentennial poster featured a photo of Batiste with his drum. $10 from each poster sale was donated to help with his medical and funeral cost.