Allen Toussaint's Jazzity Project

Biography

Allen Toussaint, born January 14, 1938, in New Orleans' Gert Town neighborhood, grew up in a working-class shotgun house and began sneaking into the Dew Drop Inn as a teenager to participate in talent shows, where his piano playing caught attention. His early career took off in 1955 when he substituted for Huey 'Piano' Smith on tour, later joining Earl King's band at the Dew Drop Inn and subbing for Fats Domino in the studio. By 1957, recognizing the limits of gigging, he shifted to studio work, debuting with his own instrumental album featuring 'Java,' which later became a hit for others, sparking his focus on songwriting and production.[1][2][3][4]

In 1960, Toussaint partnered with Joe Banashak at Minit Records as A&R, producer, and arranger, crafting hits for Ernie K-Doe ('Mother-in-Law'), Irma Thomas ('It's Raining'), Aaron Neville, Benny Spellman, and Lee Dorsey ('Ya Ya'). He co-founded Instant Records and, with Marshall Sehorn, built Sea-Saint Studios in 1973, producing funk and soul for The Meters, Dr. John ('Right Place Wrong Time'), LaBelle ('Lady Marmalade'), and others, while releasing solo albums like From a Whisper to a Scream and Southern Nights. His style blended New Orleans R&B with lush arrangements, piano-driven grooves, and rhythmic innovation, evolving from classic R&B to contemporary funk.[1][2][4][5]

Toussaint's legacy as a New Orleans R&B architect includes co-founding NYNO Records in 1996, charitable efforts like New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness with Aaron Neville, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He remained active until his death on November 9, 2015, influencing global music through productions, songwriting, and performances that bridged R&B, funk, and pop.[1][4][7]

Fun Facts

• Allen Toussaint's debut album didn't sell well, but its track 'Java' became a U.S. hit when covered by Al Hirt, giving him his first publishing royalties.
• Morrissey once started recording sessions with Toussaint at Sea-Saint but stormed out on the first day after overhearing Toussaint mutter in surprise.
• In 1994, Toussaint joined a New Orleans R&B supergroup called Crescent City Gold with Earl Palmer, Red Tyler, Lee Allen, Mac Rebennack (Dr. John), and Edward Frank.
• 'Jazzity Project' refers to a late-career jazz-oriented ensemble led by Toussaint, showcased on the album Going Places (CRT), highlighting his versatility beyond R&B.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Huey “Piano” Smith - Subbed for him on tour in 1955, early gigging influence (Shirley & Lee road band) [1955-1957]
• Dave Bartholomew - Booked him to sub in studio for Fats Domino (Fats Domino sessions) [Late 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Marshall Sehorn - Business partner, co-founder of Sea-Saint Studios and labels (Sea-Saint productions, The Meters, Dr. John albums) [1960s-1970s]
• Lee Dorsey - Primary muse and vocalist for productions ('Ya Ya' (1961), multiple hits) [1960s]
• Ernie K-Doe - Songwriter, producer, arranger ('Mother-in-Law', 'A Certain Girl') [1959-1960s]
• Dr. John - Producer ('Right Place Wrong Time' (1973), Dessitively Bonaroo (1974)) [1970s]
• LaBelle - Producer and arranger ('Lady Marmalade' (1975)) [1975]
• The Band - Horn arrangements (Cahoots, Rock of Ages) [Early 1970s]
• Aaron Neville - Co-founder of charity, producer on early tracks ('Wrong Number', New Orleans Artists Against Hunger) [1960s-1985]

Artists Influenced

• Glen Campbell - Covered his song as a major hit ('Southern Nights' (1977)) [1977]
• The Pointer Sisters - Kick-started career with his song ('Yes We Can Can') [1970s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia