Allen Toussaint, the titan of New Orleans music whose piano playing, songwriting, and production work defined much of the city’s sound in the post-jazz era, has died. He suffered a heart attack while on tour in Madrid.
Toussaint got his start as a producer and songwriter, writing and recording songs for Irma Thomas (whose “Ruler of My Heart,” written by Toussaint, would be re-recorded by Otis Redding as “Pain in My Heart”), Ernie K–Doe, and the Neville Brothers. Toussaint’s “Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette)” would years later be covered by Alex Chilton of Big Star. His songs were recorded by artists as varied as The Band, Glen Campbell, Al Hirt, Phish, and The Pointer Sisters—and his “Lady Marmalade,” which was made famous by Patti LaBelle, later became a hit for Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Mya, and Lil’ Kim.
In addition to a lengthy solo career, which includes the 1970 standout Southern Nights, Toussaint and Elvis Costello recorded a full-length collaboration in 2006 entitled The River in Reverse; the album’s sessions were the first major recording project to be undertaken in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He also helmed the Sea–Saint recording studio, where Paul and Linda McCartney recorded the 1975 Wings record Venus and Mars.
Despite the magnitude of his star, Toussaint was a notable presence in New Orleans. His gold Rolls-Royce (vanity plate: PIANO) could often be seen parked on neighborhood streets, and it wasn’t uncommon for the singer to be spotted around town, always dressed as if he were just about to step on stage.
As NOLA.com notes, Toussaint was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, he received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama.
(via NOLA.com)
