Allen Toussaint | Artist
Allen Toussaint was an American musician, songwriter, arranger and record producer, born 1938 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was an influential figure in New Orleans rhythm and blues from the 1950s to the end of the century, described as "one of popular music's great backroom figures". Toussaint learned piano as a child and in his teens he played in a band, the Flamingos, with the guitarist Snooks Eaglin. A significant early influence on Toussaint was the syncopated piano style of fellow Louisianan Professor Longhair. After a lucky break at age 17, when he stood in for Huey "Piano" Smith" at a performance with Earl King's Band, Toussaint was invited to join local musicians who performed regularly at the Dew Drop Inn nightclub on Lasalle Street in Uptown New Orleans. His first recording was in 1957 as pianist for Fats Domino on Domino's record "I Want You to Know". His first success as a producer came in 1957 with Lee Allen's "Walking with Mr. Lee". He began performing regularly in Bartholomew's band, and he recorded with Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Lee Allen and other leading New Orleans performers. As a producer and collaborator, Toussaint worked with names such as Paul McCartney, Dr John, The Meters, Robert Palmer, Frankie Miller, The Band, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Mighty Diamonds and many others. As a composer, Toussaint wrote many songs which subsequently became hits by pop/rock bands, a prime example is "Fortune Teller" which was covered by the Rolling Stones, The who and the Hollies. Standout albums include Toussaint (1971), Life,Love and Faith (1972), Southern Nights (1975) and The Bright Mississippi (2009). Also highly recommended is the Joe Henry production I Believe To My Soul, which brings Toussaint together with several other soul/funk greats. Toussaint was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009, the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2013 he was awarded the US National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama.
Artist Website: allen-toussaint.com
Featured Albums: Allen Toussaint
Related Artists: Neville Brothers, Dr John, Elvis Costello, The Meters, Joe Henry
