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 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. The smoking hot track has since been featured on compilations and is a fave of the crate diggin' dance DJ crowd. 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. David also performed with the Meters as the keyboardist from 1977-1980 and performed on Saturday Night Live in 1977.

Today the Gladiators play diverse music and can jam on blues, jazz, country, straight-ahead rock, Cajun and just about any style of music. They regularly perform at New orleans nightspots like The House of Blues, Snug Harbor and elsewhere. David's son Russell Batiste is the drummer of The Funky Meters, and 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.

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