Allen Toussaint
Allen Toussaint was a singer, songwriter and musician known for his prolific work in New Orleans R&B, and was perhaps best known for his hit songs “Working in the Coal Mine,” “Mother-in-Law” and “Southern Nights.”
Toussaint began his musical career in the 1950s, but was most influential throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, when his music stood out for its lively style and wit. He released his first album in 1958 and two years later became the house producer for record label Minit, where he worked on songs for Lee Dorsey and Jessie Hill.
In 1972 he co-founded Sea-Saint Studios, which attracted Paul Simon and Paul McCartney, among others. Toussaint’s songs were covered widely by other musicians, most notably by the Who and the Rolling Stones, both of whom recorded Toussaint’s “Fortune Teller.”
His music was also featured regularly in both film and television, including the series The Muppet Show, Married with Children, The Wonder Years, Beverly Hills 90210, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Six Feet Under, The Wire, True Blood and House M.D., as well as the films Donnie Brasco, Ali, Bridesmaids and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Allen Toussaint was a singer, songwriter and musician known for his prolific work in New Orleans R&B, and was perhaps best known for his hit songs “Working in the Coal Mine,” “Mother-in-Law” and “Southern Nights.”
Toussaint began his musical career in the 1950s, but was most influential throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, when his music stood out for its lively style and wit. He released his first album in 1958 and two years later became the house producer for record label Minit, where he worked on songs for Lee Dorsey and Jessie Hill.
In 1972 he co-founded Sea-Saint Studios, which attracted Paul Simon and Paul McCartney, among others. Toussaint’s songs were covered widely by other musicians, most notably by the Who and the Rolling Stones, both of whom recorded Toussaint’s “Fortune Teller.”
His music was also featured regularly in both film and television, including the series The Muppet Show, Married with Children, The Wonder Years, Beverly Hills 90210, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Six Feet Under, The Wire, True Blood and House M.D., as well as the films Donnie Brasco, Ali, Bridesmaids and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Additionally, he appeared on Dolly, Charlie Rose, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Late Show with David Letterman, the 48th and 51st Grammy Awards and more.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Toussaint died in Madrid, Spain, on November 9, 2015. He was 77.
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