Allen Toussaint live at KPLU

Pianist, vocalist, producer and songwriting legend (and Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame inductee), Allen Toussaint stopped by the KPLU studios on June 1 and took us on a sweet and uplifting trip to New Orleans with his music.

Mr. Toussaint has crossed many paths in his illustrious career in music. He has produced, written for, and performed with music giants such as Dr. John, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs and Irma Thomas to name a few.

Toussaint began the performance with the first song he ever recorded, Happy Times. He followed that up with a song originally written for himself, but was turned into a huge hit by Boz Scaggs, and later Bonnie Raitt, What Do You Want The Girl Do:

His final song, It's A New Orleans Thing, inspired by the late Professor Longhair, who Toussaint refers to as the "Bach" of New Orleans music. Listen for hints of Professor's classic Tipitina throughout the tune:

Toussaint's studio session was the first half of a doubleheader that day. Check out the second half of the show, The Regina Carter Trio!