Concertwire.com

The singer, songwriter and record producer Allen Toussaint is one of the most influential figures in New Orleans R&B. In his illustrious 40 years plus career in music he has produced, written for, arranged, had his songs covered by, and performed with music giants The Judds, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle, Mac "Dr. John" Rebannac, Aaron and Art Neville, Joe Cocker, The (original) Meters, Glen Campbell, The Band, Little Feat, The Rolling Stones, Devo, Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis, Eric Gale and the countless others. His songs/productions have been featured in numerous films, including but not limited to, Casino, Moulin Rouge, and Maid in Manhattan. He served as musical director for the off Broadway play, Staggerlee, which won the prestigious Outer Circle Critics Award. Toussaint got his shot as a solo artist with a record for RCA. Two of his earliest tunes, “Java,” which became a mega-hit for trumpeter Al Hirt and “Whipped Cream," the Herb Alpert hit, became instrumental standards. Toussaint then went onto team up with Lee Dorsey, who was often backed by the funky rhythm section known as The Meters, turning out a string of hits that included Working in the Coalmine; Holy Cow; Ride Your Pony; and many others. Working in the Coalmine was then recorded by The Judds; Yes We Can became a smash hit by The Pointer Sisters; Sneaking Sally thru the Alley was recorded by both Robert Palmer and Ringo Starr. Toussaint continued to put his mark on the music business with his arrangements on LaBelle's hit, Lady Marmalade, continuing on with Patti through the early stages of her solo career. His career has spanned over 40 years, all adding up to include being inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." His productions are continuously sampled, introducing it to an entire new arena of listeners (Louie--ODB and Lady Marmalade (Christinia Augillara, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot). The most recent of Toussaint’s long list of honors and accolades is the Grammy nominated pop/vocal album of the year, The River in Reverse; Toussaint’s collaboration with Elvis Costello. As Mr. Toussaint Hurrican Katrina was the best booking agent and with that he has started to tour and perform before a whole new audience. The truly amazing part is there's more to come...