Allen Toussaint
Allen Toussaint (1938–2015) was a virtuoso pianist, prolific songwriter, and record producer who defined the modern sound of New Orleans R&B and funk. Though he often preferred working behind the scenes, his influence reached global heights through the hits he penned for others, such as "Mother-in-Law," "Working in the Coal Mine," and "Lady Marmalade".
Born on January 14, 1938, in the Gert Town neighborhood of New Orleans, he was the youngest of three children. His mother, Naomi Neville, often hosted musicians at their home; Toussaint later used her name as a songwriting pseudonym.
He taught himself piano and was deeply influenced by the syncopated "second-line" style of Professor Longhair. At age 17, he stood in for Huey "Piano" Smith at a performance with Earl King's band. In 1957, he played piano on a Fats Domino session, and by 1958, he recorded his first album, The Wild Sound of New Orleans, under the name Al Tousan.
In the early 1960s, Toussaint became the primary songwriter and producer for Minit Records, where he created a signature "soft" New Orleans sound. He produced iconic tracks including Ernie K-Doe's "Mother-in-Law" (a #1 hit), Irma Thomas's "It’s Raining," and Lee Dorsey's "Ya Ya". He wrote "Fortune Teller" (covered by The Rolling Stones and The Who) and "Ruler of My Heart" (adapted by Otis Redding as "Pain in My Heart").
After serving in the Army (1963–1965), he co-founded Sansu Enterprises. Working with The Meters as his house band, he developed the gritty, syncopated sound that paved the way for modern funk.
Toussaint’s reach expanded beyond New Orleans in the 1970s as he collaborated with international stars. He co-founded the legendary Sea-Saint Studios in 1973, where he produced Labelle's #1 hit "Lady Marmalade".
He released critically acclaimed albums From a Whisper to a Scream (1971) and Southern Nights (1975). Glen Campbell's 1977 cover of "Southern Nights" and The Pointer Sisters' "Yes We Can Can" (1973) became major chart successes. He worked with Paul McCartney, The Band, Dr. John, and Robert Palmer during this era.
In 2005, Toussaint lost his home and Sea-Saint Studios to Hurricane Katrina. He temporarily relocated to New York City, where he became a prominent advocate for New Orleans’ musical recovery. During his time in NYC, he began performing regularly at Joe's Pub, leading to a "late-blooming" career as a touring artist. His 2006 album with Elvis Costello, The River in Reverse, was the first major studio session held in New Orleans after the hurricane.
Toussaint died of a heart attack on November 10, 2015, in Madrid, Spain, shortly after performing a concert. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998) and received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2013.
In 2022, a major New Orleans street was renamed Allen Toussaint Boulevard. In January 2025, the USPS released a Forever Stamp in his honor as part of the Black Heritage series.
Life, Love And Faith
A2 Am I Expecting Too Much 2:47
A3 My Baby Is The Real Thing 3:03
A4 Goin' Down 2:56
A5 She Once Belonged To Me 2:49
A6 Out Of The City (Into Country Life) 3:34
B1 Soul Sister 2:47
B2 Fingers And Toes 4:05
B3 I've Got To Convince Myself 2:40
B4 On Your Way Down 3:58
B5 Gone Too Far 3:26
B6 Electricity 2:29
Label: Reprise Records – MS 2062
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk, Blues
Style: Bayou Funk
Life, Love and Faith is Allen Toussaint's acclaimed solo album, a funky, soulful, and idiosyncratic journey blending New Orleans R&B with emerging funk, showcasing his genius as a singer-songwriter beyond his famous production work, featuring deep grooves, poignant lyrics, and legendary musicians like The Meters' George Porter Jr. and Leo Nocentelli. It's considered one of his best, a landmark album that's simultaneously soulful, rocking, and deeply personal, highlighting his multifaceted talent with songs like "On Your Way Down" and "Electricity".
It seamlessly fuses heavy soul, rocking R&B, early funk, and distinctive New Orleans flavor, creating a sound that was fresh and unique for its time.
While known as a producer, this album cemented Toussaint's own artistry, featuring his expressive vocals and piano amidst complex arrangements.
The album features extensive instrumentation, with Toussaint contributing on piano, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and vocals. The legendary New Orleans funk band The Meters serves as the backing band, with notable members including George Porter Jr. on bass and Joseph "Ziggy" Modeliste on drums, providing a deep, driving groove.
The lyrics explore universal themes with profound, often melancholic, observations on life, love, and the human condition, delivered with Toussaint's characteristic restraint.
Regarded as a cornerstone album, it stands out from typical NOLA releases and is celebrated for its intelligent songwriting and atmospheric depth, making it essential listening.
It includes fan favorites like the bluesy "On Your Way Down," the energetic "Electricity," and soulful gems such as "Soul Sister" and "Fingers And Toes".
The record captures Toussaint's "idiosyncratic vision" with a blend of topical socio-political commentary and personal expressions of love and urban life. His vocals are often described as reticent or shy, but deeply felt, adding a personal touch that sets it apart from typical New Orleans releases of the era.