The other day, I was giving a test when word of Allen Toussaint’s death came across my computer screen. The news struck me for a couple of reasons.
First, the test included questions about Toussaint Charbonneau and L’Ouverture. What are the chances to that many people named Toussaint being on my mind in one day? For those who may not know, Charbonneau was the husband of Sacagawea, and L’Ouverture led the slave rebellion that would result in Haiti becoming a nation.
Second, I have a great song by Allen Toussaint on my iPod. It is called “Sweet Touch of Love” and was introduced to me by a television commercial.
I take pride in my knowledge of music, but all I knew of the musical Toussaint was that one song. After reading about him, I discovered that he was a legendary New Orleans musician who sang, wrote, produced and worked in almost all areas of the music business. I also learned that there are more Toussaint songs on my iPod that I realized. In addition to the song previously mentioned, he wrote, produced or played on the following songs in my collection.
“Southern Nights” by Glen Campbell
“Lady Marmalade” by Labelle
“Working in a Coal Mine” by Lee Dorsey
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” by The Band
“Right Place Wrong Time” by Dr. John
There must be others because I have learned that Allen Toussaint was a major force in music for many years. I wish I had known that earlier. Now, I have to find out what I have been missing.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 