A True Legend is Dead

A parent, father, friend, mentor, leader, music mover, community builder, professor, scholar, teacher, advocate for music students and band director to thousands of students and I. I thought his studies held up and lifted SUNO. In the seventies, students poured in the school to join the band. There were even people enquiring who weren’t enrolled yet and they eventually enrolled. Kidd had workshops with people like the late Guitarist, George Davis. Also, Clark Terry was one of the greats who did Clinics for Kidd. Just recently, I said he caused hundreds to enroll, attend and graduate from SUNO. I went to SUNO on a GI bill and had no intentions to study music. In 1972, I dropped out of school because of the demonstrations and the death of students at Southern University by police during protest. But Kidd recruited many musicians and myself to join the SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE at SUNO. So, I return to SUNO. He took in many students across the New Orleans area. Elmhurst Jazz Festival (where he introduced us to Herbie Hancock) and Contest along with Greenwich Village are just some of the few events Kidd took us to. At the time, musicians were “wall to wall.”  His soft spoken demeanor was only moved when it came down to helping students and his family. He had an honest way about himself that made you know he meant well and was interested in your well being and learning in life. Yes, he taught life lessons everyday.  I learned
“Strength in numbers” and when he wanted one to listen up, he’d say “They will nail you to the Cross.”  Timely, he knew how and what to say.  Because of Kidd, I introduced, Michael Batiste, Peter Batiste, Russ Batiste, Damon Batiste, Jamal Batiste, Travis Batiste and Jon Batiste to Kidd for studies because I knew he would be good for my family - and he was.  One time, I introduced my son and nephews (each under the age of 10 at the time) Jon, Travis and Jamal to him and he asked “What instrument do they play?” They said, “Drums.”  He told them everybody can’t play the drums in your group.  So, I told Jon to play the keyboard - Travis to play the Bass Guitar and Jamal to play the Drums.  Ultimately, we formed the Batiste Kids.  Today, Jon has 5 Grammys.  Each child had a forte on their perspective instrument.  But it was Kidd's brilliance that played a major part in those beginning music students.  I’m blessed that he wouldn’t hesitate to call me. His wife and family meant the world to him.  All of us are blessed to have him in our presence.  Today “Music” is weeping because it’s biggest advocate has departed from us.  It is not a sad day. It is a day to rejoice his life.  Do something good for a neighbor in his honor.

As I am writing this Tribute to “Kidd Jordan,” all I can hear is “Kidd Jordan Secondline.”  He recorded that with his students.

Paul

 

www.paulbatisteconservatory.com

www.batistebrothersband.net

www.batisteculturalartsacademy.com

www.batistebrothersband.com

When the kids are away, their

Teachers will play!

Talented teachers by day turn into celebrated

musicians by night.

Stories by KENNETH SNOW

Contributing writer

They listen to loud music, run with a fast crowd and stay out late. After a particularly rowdy night, you
may even see their pictures in the newspaper. And they have a powerful influence on your child.   
 Fifteen years old and onstage, live at the Apollo!  That day in 1965, Paul Batiste was far more interested
in finishing his schooling than in making a career of it.  The performance was a talent show and the Gladiators, who
had driven all the way from New Orleans, had won.
 " Another one of my biggest thrills in high school was when we backed up Aaron Neville in a live performance of
"Tell It Like It Is.' " Batiste said.  "In the "70s we opened for a lot of bands like The Temptations, O'Jays, Major Lance
(of Monkey Time' fame) and Chris Kenner, who did 'Land of a Thousand Dances' "
 Today the Batiste Brothers Band records on its own label, Artang Records, and has produced
two CDs, "Spice" (1991) and the recently released "New Orleans Music."  On that one, he plays guitar,
keyboards and sings.  
Meanwhile, the local favorites have begun to build a strong international following, especially in Japan.                                                                           
 In 1992 they were the first New Orleans group to play the Kobe Urban Resort Fair, where they
were warned not to be offended by a low key response from the reserved Japanese audience.   
 "But before we were finished, " Batiste said,  "they were second-lining up on the stage with us.  Those
10,000 people were all up and dancing."  
 The performance that sparked a love affair with New Orleans sound -- more than 60 local
performers were invited to last year's fair -- was all in a day's work for a man who has taught music
in Orleans Parish for over a decade.
 Batiste began studies for a music education degree at Southern University in New Orleans in 1971.
 "I went to SUNO to learn music theory.....in hopes of pursuing a performing career," he said.
However, his instructors persuaded him to turn toward teaching,  Another push came when he
found that he had a gift for communicating with children while teaching music at a summer camp.
 As for growing fame and international appearances, "I'm entrenched in education," he said.  "I have thorough
plans for my future that includes going back for my master's and opening a private music school in New Orleans."