David Batiste & The Gladiators

Legendary funk and soul band David Batiste and The Gladiators was formed back in 1962 by David Batiste and his brothers. David Batiste &The Gladiators became one of the founding groups of New Orleans funk rock and have built an international cult following. The Batiste's regularly appear at local clubs, concerts and tours. They have appeared across the United States as well as in South Africa, Mexico, Europe and Japan. The Gladiators, with David Batiste on keyboards and lead vocals, had a hit record in 1970 with "Funky Soul" Parts 1 & 2 on the Soulin' Label and later with Instant Records. In 1965 the band was a talent show winner at Harlem's famous Apollo Theater. The band continued its funk rock output with another popular song "Funky Hips" Part 1 & 2. Today the Gladiators play diverse music and can jam on blues, jazz, country, straight-ahead rock, Cajun and just about any style of music. David also performed with the Meters as the keyboardist from 1977-1980 and performed on Saturday Night Live in 1977. Most recently, David Batiste & The Gladiators have performed at the House of Blues. With David's influence most of his sons and daughters are in the music industry. David Russell Batiste, Jr. plays with the Funky Meters and PBS. Damon Batiste is a producer and musician. Jamal Batiste tours with Los Ombres Caliente. Ryan Batiste is a student at NOCCA and his nephew Jonathan Batiste is attending the Juillard School of Music and just received the Future Legends Award.