Watch Allen Toussaint Prove ‘It’s A New Orleans Thing’ At 2011 Live Studio Session
Also watch the legend perform “What Do You Want The Girl To Do.”
By Nate Todd Nov 10, 2023 • 2:28 pm PST
Allen Toussaint is a towering figure in New Orleans music, making him a towering figure in music worldwide. Toussaint sadly died on this date in 2015. In honor of the legend, JamBase takes a look at a session Allen Tossaint performed for Seattle’s KNKX public radio.
Born in New Orleans on January 14, 1938, Allen Toussaint grew up in the Gert Town neighborhood. The pianist, songwriter, vocalist and producer would go on to work with an impressive array of musicians including Paul McCartney, The Meters, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, The Neville Brothers, Robert Palmer, Lee Dorsey, Labelle and Irma Thomas to name a few. He also recorded a string of amazing solo albums in the 1970s including 1971’s Toussaint, 1972’s Life, Love and Faith, and 1975’s Southern Nights.
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Toussaint’s influence on popular music over the past seven decades is ubiquitous. Allen himself was heavily influenced by legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair, who Toussaint called the “Bach” of New Orleans music.
To remember Allen Toussaint, watch him perform “It’s A New Orleans Thing,” inspired by Professor Longhair’s “Tipitina,” for KNKX in 2011 below:
Also, check out Toussaint on “What Do You Want The Girl To Do,” which was a hit for Boz Scaggs and Bonnie Raitt.
Listen to the full KNKX session here.
