NEW ORLEANS – Alvin Batiste, the clarinetist who toured with Ray Charles, recorded with Branford Marsalis and taught pianist Henry Butler, has died. He was in his 70s.
Batiste died May 6 of an apparent heart attack, only hours before he was to perform with Harry Connick Jr. and Marsalis at the New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival, festival officials said. Batiste was born in New Orleans in 1932.
Marsalis’ record label released Batiste’s latest CD, “Marsalis Music Honors Alvin Batiste,” just a few weeks ago. Marsalis also played on the album.
Batiste, a jazz clarinetist, was considered one of the founders of the modern jazz scene in New Orleans.
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