Legendary Songwriter Allen Toussaint Dead At 77

The first time I attended the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a lot of big names were on the schedule. The one I most anticipated was Allen Toussaint. I was familiar with his work mainly because of the hits other artists had with his songs, and was eager to see him perform them. His stage presence was magnetic. The band was tight, and he projected an air of elegance. It's with tremendous sadness that I report he's left us. Mr. Toussaint suffered a fatal heart attack after performing Monday night in Madrid. The New Orleans native is a member of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. LaBelle's #1 hit "Lady Marmalade'" and Glen Campbell's "Southern Nights," as well as "Workin' In A Coal Mine," recorded by Lee Dorsey, and later, Devo, are among his best known songs. May he rest in peace.