Allen Toussaint (/ˈtuːsɑːnt/; January 14, 1938 – November 10, 2015) was an American musician, songwriter-composer, record producer, and influential figure in New OrleansR&B.
In 1960, Toussaint was hired as a record producer by a label in New Orleans. He was also looking for new talent to sign to the label, named Minit Records. Toussaint played piano, wrote, and produced many hit records in the early and mid 1960s for New Orleans R&B artists.[1] Some examples are:
Ernie K-Doe's "Mother-in-Law", written by Toussaint
Chris Kenner's "I Like It Like That"
"Ruler of My Heart", recorded by Irma Thomas. This song was later recorded again by Otis Redding (with the title "Pain in My Heart"), and by The Rolling Stones on their second album.
In 1964, "A Certain Girl" (originally by Ernie K-Doe) was the B-side of the first single by The Yardbirds; the song was released again in 1980 by Warren Zevon.
Allen Toussaint receiving the National Medal of Arts in 2013 (pictured with President Obama)
Honors
In 1998, Toussaint was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2009 into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. On May 9, 2011, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Toussaint’s two marriages ended in divorce. He is survived by his two children, son Clarence (better known as Reginald) and daughter Alison, and by several grandchildren. His children had managed his career in recent years.[3]
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