Allen Toussaint left today, closed the door, now it’s time for you to open the door to his music because he is vital and shaped something special that a lot of the Rock world seems to have missed. His most well known song from outside the genre is Working In The Coal Mine. It was a hit in 1966 for Lee Dorsey, reaching No.8 on the US charts (you probably know Devo’s version). But it wasn’t just as a songwriter that he shone, he was also an influential producer, with two of my favourites on his résumé – The Meters and Dr John. He was also a talented pianist and an R&B giant that defined New Orleans.
Here’s a song from his 1975 album Southern Nights sounding like it might have been on John Lennon’s playlist and sung through a weird effect. It’s Oriental, Psychedelic Swamp – now there’s a genre you’ve never heard. Watch the documentary below.
Toussaint died on Tuesday of a heart attack at the age of 77 after playing a show in Madrid. Rest in Peace, condolences to friends and family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Toussaint
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Nights_(song)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_in_the_Coal_Mine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Albums_produced_by_Allen_Toussaint
Very sad to hear of this legends passing. I’ve always loved the song Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley which was covered by Robert Palmer on his debut solo album in 1974.
Toussaint was due to perform with Paul Simon at a benefit concert in New Orleans on December 8.
There are also several videos popping up on YouTube presently of his final performance in Madrid.