Legendary Songwriter, Producer Allen Toussaint Has Died

Legendary songwriter, arranger, producer, and performer Allen Toussaint passed away on Monday while on tour in Europe. He was 77.

Toussaint was on tour in Spain and died after performing on Monday. One of the most influential figures in New Orleans music, Toussaint had performed frequently in his hometown over the last few weeks. He left last Thursday on a tour that was to include stops in Madrid, Belgium and London.

The legend was soft-spoken, humble and most-often preferred to stay behind the scenes. Over the years the list of those who benefited from his touch as a producer and arranger is quite staggering. It ranges from the 1950s to present day. Artists he's worked with range from Irma Thomas, Aaron Neville, Art Neville, Dr. John, the Meters, Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker and Glen Campbell to the late Ernie K-Doe, Chris Kenner, Lee Dorsey, Jessie Hill, Benny Spellman and Al Hirt, to name but a few.

"His greatest contribution was in not allowing the city's old-school R&B traditions to die out but by keeping pace with developments in the rapidly evolving worlds of soul and funk. In addition, he brought the New Orleans sound to the national stage, and it remains a vital and ongoing part of our musical heritage to this day," proclaimed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted Toussaint as a member in 1998.

Toussaint even performed at the White House four times. And though he never won a Grammy, he was nominated six times and presented with a Grammy Trustees Award in 2009.  He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Allen Toussaint is survived by two children, his son Clarence, known as Reginald, and his daughter, Alison. Both kids managed their dad's career in recent years. He is also survived by several grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.