Happy Birthday Allen Toussaint: Legendary New Orleans Musician Documentary Film

Late legendary American songwriter and musician Allen Toussaint was born in New Orleans on this date in 1938. The revered producer, arranger and pianist died in 2015 after performing a concert in Spain. Toussaint’s impact on American music, flavored by his New Orleans roots, can be measured by the impressive roster of artists that have recorded and performed his songs over the past several decades.

Responsible for writing such memorable songs as “Southern Nights,” “What Do You Want The Girl To Do,” “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley,” “Get Out Of My Life, Woman,” “I’ll Take A Melody,” “Working In A Coalmine,” “On Your Way Down” and “Mother-In-Law,” Toussaint’s songbook has been a source of inspiration to his fellow NOLA musicians and others around the globe. Jerry Garcia, Bonnie Raitt, Lowell George, Phish, Robert Palmer, Dr. John, Little Feat, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker, Etta James, Glen Campbell are just a few who have covered some of those just-mentioned songs.

After learning to play from Ernest Pinn and being heavily influenced by local piano hero Professor Longhair, Toussaint’s career began as a teenager. Early on, Toussaint stood in on piano for legendary New Orleans icon Fats Domino and he met Dr. John during those recording sessions. Later establishing himself as a solo artist, Toussaint’s career rose in success as he became a sought after arranger, producer and collaborator, notably preparing horn charts on several occasions for The Band. Toussaint’s life and career in music is examined in the BBC documentary film featuring interviews, archival video and photos that can be viewed below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLMI5Oag1nY