Recording Academy Issues Statement on Passing of Musician Allen Toussaint

CNN reports that New Orleans songwriter, musician and producer Allen Toussaint passed away on Monday, November 9th of a heart attack at the age of 77. In a statement, his son, Clarence Toussaint said his father had been touring in Madrid just before his death.

Among the noted artists who performed Toussaint's songs or collaborated with him, were the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, Herb Alpert, Glenn Campbell, Robert Palmer and Alison Kraus and Elvis Costello.

The Recording Academy released the following statement on his passing:

November 10, 2015

A Recording Academy Trustees Award recipient, Allen Toussaint was one of music's most influential figures to hail from New Orleans. A multifaceted songwriter, producer and performer, his iconic songs such as "Working In A Coal Mine," "Mother-In-Law" and "Lady Marmalade" were a gumbo of stylized soul, funk and R&B - a sound that came to be synonymous with the Big Easy. Further solidifying his rich legacy, his songs were recorded by a diverse group of artists such as Jerry Garcia, Ringo Starr, Glen Campbell, Devo, the Band, and the Rolling Stones, among others. The music community has lost a true icon, and we share our deepest condolences with Allen's family and friends, and with those who had the privilege of collaborating with him.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy

Image courtesy of Official Allen Toussaint Web Site

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