Allen Toussaint, the acclaimed songwriter and pianist, died in Spain last night. The news comes as a shock considering the 77-year-old New Orleans star was in the midst of a European tour. He had played Bilbao on Sunday and was set to perform in both Antwerp and London this week before a return to the US at the end of November.
Fittingly given his laudable philanthropy down through the decades, a December date was also set for a benefit concert with Paul Simon to aid non-profit organisation New Orleans Artists Against Hunger And Homelessness.
Allen Toussaint started off as an apprentice to Dave Bartholomew, building an early reputation as a session musician. Coming into his own as both a songwriter and producer, he was behind hit R&B singles for the likes of Irma Thomas and The Pointer Sisters and was an immense presence on the New Orleans scene.
He worked with the likes of Paul McCartney in the past, and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1998.
To get a sense of his cultural impact, the below Toussaint song might ring a bell in a different context.
May he rest in peace.