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ALLEN TOUSSAINT


BIO:
Producer, songwriter, arranger, session pianist, solo artist -- Allen Toussaint has worn all these hats over the course of his lengthy and prolific career, and his behind-the-scenes work alone would have been enough to make him a legend of New Orleans R&B. Thanks to his work with numerous other artists, Toussaint bore an enormous amount of responsibility for the sound of R&B in the Crescent City from the '60s on into the '70s. His productions kept with the times, moving from rollicking, earthy soul in the '60s to gritty, rambunctious funk in the '70s. As a composer, Toussaint proved himself a consistent hitmaker, penning more than a few gems that have since become R&B standards and been covered by countless artists working in many different styles. In keeping with that across-the-board appeal, Toussaint has worked in some supporting capacity for a wide variety of rock and blues legends, particularly from the '70s on. On top of all that, Toussaint waxed his own records from time to time, enjoying a creative peak in the '70s with several albums that highlighted his laid-back vocals and elegantly funky piano work. Even if he wasn't always the most visible figure, Toussaint's contributions to New Orleans music -- and to rock & roll in general -- were such that he earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Latest Articles


Julian Lage New Album Out Now; US Tour Starts in March Photo Julian Lage New Album Out Now; US Tour Starts in March
by Michael Major - March 01, 2024

Speak To Me was produced by Joe Henry and offers a series of dispatches from Lage's ongoing search for narrative beyond words. Intimate in tone and intention, the music travels a wide range of American music and delights in the deliberate crossing of wires between gospel hymn and rural blues, Califo...

'Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Production' to Drop in March Photo 'Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Production' to Drop in March
by Michael Major - February 29, 2024

Observations In Time appeared in January 1969, containing a number of Ohio Players originals including “Here Today And Gone Tomorrow,” which David Bowie would make part of his Diamond Dogs tour and release it on 1974's David Live. Covers include Allen Toussaint's “Mother-In-Law,” the band's take on ...

Mountain Stage Releases Recording Of Indigo Girls 'Closer To Fine' Photo Mountain Stage Releases Recording Of Indigo Girls 'Closer To Fine'
by Michael Major - February 08, 2024

The album will feature a collection of live performances from various artists captured during Mountain Stage tapings over the past four decades, including Rhiannon Giddens, Margo Price, John Prine, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, and Birds of Chicago featuring Allison Russell among many others....

Julian Lage Announces New Album; Shares Two New Songs Photo Julian Lage Announces New Album; Shares Two New Songs
by Michael Major - January 17, 2024

Speak To Me showcases the guitarist in a variety of settings, including solo acoustic, duo, his accustomed trio with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King, and a larger ensemble with keyboards (from Kris Davis and Patrick Warren) and woodwinds (Levon Henry). It's Lage's fourth effort for Blue N...

Mountain Stage Announces New Compilation Album & Drops David Bowie Cover Photo Mountain Stage Announces New Compilation Album & Drops David Bowie Cover
by Michael Major - January 08, 2024

The album will feature a collection of live performances from various artists captured during Mountain Stage tapings over the years, including Rhiannon Giddens, Margo Price, John Prine, Jason Isbell, The Indigo Girls, Tyler Childers, and Birds of Chicago featuring Allison Russell among many others....

Jeff Babko And David Piltch Make Magic At Libretto Lounge On New LP Photo Jeff Babko And David Piltch Make Magic At Libretto Lounge On New LP
by A.A. Cristi - June 21, 2023

Keyboardist, pianist, composer and arranger Jeff Babko will be releasing a new album this Friday! Appropriately titled The Libretto Show, this exciting new record was recorded live at the Libretto Jazz Lounge in Paso Robles, California. It features Babko alongside a low-end stalwart: heralded bassis...

Shamarr Allen Releases New Single 'Internet Troll Anthem' Photo Shamarr Allen Releases New Single 'Internet Troll Anthem'
by Michael Major - June 20, 2023

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NRBQ's Terry Adams & Steve Ferguson Announce Expanded Reissue of 2006 Album 'Louisvil Photo NRBQ's Terry Adams & Steve Ferguson Announce Expanded Reissue of 2006 Album 'Louisville Sluggers'
by Michael Major - March 21, 2023

Omnivore Recordings has announced the expanded reissue of Louisville Sluggers, the 2006 release from NRBQ co-founders Terry Adams and Steve Ferguson, will be available on May 12 on CD and Digital. The album contains 4 previously unissued bonus tracks and features updated artwork....

Vince Guaraldi's 'Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus' Sets 60th Anniversary Vinyl Rele Photo Vince Guaraldi's 'Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus' Sets 60th Anniversary Vinyl Release
by Michael Major - September 27, 2022

Craft Recordings celebrates the 60th anniversary of Vince Guaraldi’s Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus, with a variety of reissues. A deluxe, expanded edition of the 1962 album—featuring “Cast Your Fate to the Wind”—offers 16 bonus tracks, including 12 previously unreleased selections, with outtakes...

Shamarr Allen Releases New Single 'Dance With Me' Photo Shamarr Allen Releases New Single 'Dance With Me'
by Michael Major - March 28, 2022

The official music video for “Dance With Me” is a fun and beautiful visual representation of the many cultures found within New Orleans featuring Kermit Ruffins, Big Sam, Baby Dolls, Zulu Tramps, Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, Pussy Footers, True Orleans Brass Band, Beyjorettes and DJ Polo 504....

Grammy Winner Kathy Mattea Shares Cover of 'Turn Off the News' Photo Grammy Winner Kathy Mattea Shares Cover of 'Turn Off the News'
by Marissa Tomeo - March 05, 2022

Grammy award-winning artist Kathy Mattea released today a special rendition of Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real’s “Turn Off The News (Build A Garden).” The song was captured during a recent taping of Mountain Stage, the live performance radio program produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting a...

A.J. Croce Premiers 'Better Day' Featuring Robben Ford Photo A.J. Croce Premiers 'Better Day' Featuring Robben Ford
by Stephi Wild - January 13, 2021

Over the past three decades, A.J. Croce has established his reputation as a piano player and serious vocal stylist who pulls from a host of musical traditions and anti-heroes — part New Orleans, part juke joint, part soul. ...

The Michael Leonhart Orchestra & Elvis Costello Release 'SHUT HIM DOWN' Video Oct. 9 Photo The Michael Leonhart Orchestra & Elvis Costello Release 'SHUT HIM DOWN' Video Oct. 9
by Sarah Jae Leiber - October 06, 2020

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Galactic Share Music Video for 'Something's Wrong With This Picture' Photo Galactic Share Music Video for 'Something's Wrong With This Picture'
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 04, 2020

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Titles From Irma Thomas And James Booker Set For Vinyl Reissue Photo Titles From Irma Thomas And James Booker Set For Vinyl Reissue
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 04, 2020

Craft Recordings is proud to reissue two significant titles from New Orleans royalty: Classified from R&B piano virtuoso James Booker and the GRAMMY® Award-winning After the Rain, from soul singer Irma Thomas. ...

John 'Papa' Gros Announces April 17 Release of CENTRAL CITY Photo John 'Papa' Gros Announces April 17 Release of CENTRAL CITY
by Kaitlin Milligan - March 25, 2020

New Orleans native John “Papa” Gros (pronounced “grow”) has been celebrating the Crescent City's culture with the world for over three decades. Today, ahead of the release of his third solo album Central City on April 17, he shared his take on John Prine's “Please Don't Bury,” which debuted this mor...

Antibalas Releases Single 'Amenawon' Today Photo Antibalas Releases Single 'Amenawon' Today
by Sarah Jae Leiber - January 13, 2020

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by Abigail Charpentier - December 13, 2019

'Ain't gonna stop until I stop it, Ain't gonna let it go until I drop it,' growls Eddie Spaghetti on the first track off the Supersuckers 13th studio album, 'Play That Rock n' Roll.'  Tracked over the course of four sweltering days at Willie Nelson's Austin, TX studio, 'Play That Rock n' Roll' rocks...

Antibalas to Release New Album FU CHRONICLES Photo Antibalas to Release New Album FU CHRONICLES
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 20, 2019

With a globetrotting 20-year career renowned for being a voice for the people across four decades of political and societal upheaval from the late '90s to today, Antibalas celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a stark return to their Williamsburg roots on its latest Daptone Records studio album, Fu C...

Galactic Announces 25th Anniversary Tour Photo Galactic Announces 25th Anniversary Tour
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 05, 2019

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