Legendary songwriter, producer, pianist, performer and New Orleanian Allen Toussaint has died. The versatile musician/songwriter/producer/arranger and performer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee died of a heart attack in Madrid on November 11. He was 77.

Funeral services are planned Friday November 20 at the Orpheum Theatre, with a public visitation will be held  at the theater from 8 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A tribute, featuring musical performances coordinated in part by Jazz Fest producer and longtime friend Quint Davis, will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a private burial.

Photo by Willow Haley

From the 1950s to the present day, Toussaint built up a body of work that made him one of the most influential people in New Orleans music, as well as a beloved international star. Over the course of his six decade career, Toussaint brought New Orleans’ musical heritage to a worldwide audience as he worked with icons such as The Meters, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Lee Dorsey, Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker, Paul Simon, Robert Palmer and Paul McCartney, just to name a few.

Toussaint was known as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, penning classic tracks like “Working in the Coal Mine,” “Ride Your Pony,” “Fortune Teller,” “Southern Nights,” Get Out of My Life Woman,” “Mother-in-Law” and many more.

Toussaint was born in a shotgun house in New Orleans’ Gert Town neighborhood in 1938. It was there that he began playing piano at the age of six, nurturing a talent that would make him one of the most in-demand figures in music. He first rose to prominence in the early 1960s, when he produced a series of hits for Al Hirt, Irma Thomas, Art and Aaron Neville, Ernie-K-Doe, Lee Dorsey and Jesse Hill.

After a brief stint in the army from 1963 to 1965, Toussaint returned to New Orleans, where his influence grew as he worked with early funk icons The Meters. In 1973, he opened his Sea-Saint Studios, an establishment that attracted superstars like Paul McCartney and Paul Simon, along with new hit makers like Labelle and Robert Palmer.

Toussaint relocated to New York City after his home and studio were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, though he moved back to his hometown after a number of years. In his later years, he collaborated with musical mainstays like Eric Clapton and Elvis Costello, released albums of his own material and, in what had previously been a rare occurrence, performed on stage as a solo artist (including a few times at the White House).

January 2006.

He also continued his charitable efforts, particularly his work with New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness, a nonprofit that he co-founded with Aaron Neville in 1985. Earlier this month it was announced that he would be playing a special benefit show with Paul Simon in support of the organization.

Toussaint is survived by his son Reginald Toussaint and daughter Alison Toussaint LeBeau​, grandchildren and many friends worldwide.

In OffBeat’s 29 years, Toussaint appeared on the cover and in the pages of the magazine as much as any other artist. He was also honored with numerous Best of the Beat Awards, including Lifetime Achievement (2005), Album of the Year (2006, 2009), Artist of the Year (2009), Song of the Year (2000), Best Producer (1996,1997,1998, 1999) and Best Pianist (2006, 2009)  Most recently, he was interviewed for the Backtalk section of our April 2015 issue. He was a true titan of New Orleans music and a kind, humble man. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but we know his music and his spirit will live on for generations to come.