toussaint mccall

Biography

Toussaint McCall (March 26, 1939 – August 7, 2023) was an American R&B singer and organist, best remembered for his soulful ballad "Nothing Takes the Place of You." Born in Delhi, Louisiana, McCall was raised in a large, musically inclined family; his father was a pastor and his mother was deeply enthusiastic about music. He attended Southern University in Baton Rouge after high school, developing his musical skills and drawing inspiration from the gospel traditions of his upbringing.

McCall's professional breakthrough came in the late 1960s after signing with Ronn Records in Shreveport, Louisiana. His 1967 single "Nothing Takes the Place of You" became a major hit, reaching #5 on the US R&B chart and #52 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although he released further singles and an album, none matched the success of his signature song. McCall continued to perform and record for local labels, maintaining a steady presence in the Southern soul scene. His music, characterized by smooth vocals and expressive organ playing, blended gospel, R&B, and the emerging northern soul style. In later years, McCall was honored with induction into the Northeast Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and made a cameo in the 1988 film "Hairspray," lip syncing to his classic hit.

McCall's legacy endures through the enduring popularity of "Nothing Takes the Place of You," which has been covered by artists across genres and generations. He is celebrated as a key figure in Louisiana's soul tradition, inspiring both listeners and musicians with his heartfelt performances and dedication to his craft.

Fun Facts

• Toussaint McCall was named after the Haitian revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture.
• He made a cameo appearance in the 1988 John Waters film 'Hairspray,' lip syncing to his own hit, despite the song being anachronistic for the film's 1962 setting.
• McCall was one of twelve children in his family, growing up in a deeply musical and religious household.
• He was inducted into the Northeast Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Rev. D. L. McCall - Toussaint's father, a pastor and early musical influence, fostering a gospel-rich environment. (Church performances, family musical gatherings) [1940s–1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Ronn Records session musicians - Studio musicians who worked with McCall on his recordings, especially his 1967 hit. ("Nothing Takes the Place of You" and other Ronn Records releases) [1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Asleep at the Wheel - Covered McCall's signature song, bringing it to a country audience. ("Nothin' Takes the Place of You" (1976)) [1976]
• Shovels & Rope (with JD McPherson) - Recorded a cover of his classic for a modern roots audience. ("Nothing Takes the Place of You" on 'Busted Jukebox, Vol. 1') [2015]
• Prince Buster - Jamaican ska artist who adapted McCall's song into a new genre. (Ska version of "Nothing Takes the Place of You") [1960s–1970s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Nothing Takes the Place of You (Nothing Takes the Place of You)
2. I'll Do It for You (Nothing Takes the Place of You)
3. Nothing Takes The Place Of You (Nothing Takes The Place Of You)
4. Summertime (Nothing Takes the Place of You)
5. Let's Do It Over (Nothing Takes The Place Of You)
6. Shimmy - Instrumental (Nothing Takes the Place of You)
7. The Toussaint Shuffle - Instrumental (Nothing Takes the Place of You)
8. The Toussaint Shuffle (Nothing Takes The Place Of You)
9. Nothing Takes the Place of You - From the Film Hairspray (Ultimate Oldies & Goodies - One Hit Wonders of the 50s & 60s)
10. I'm Undecided (Nothing Takes the Place of You)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #r&b, #soul