Jon Batiste: Allen Toussaint 'Made the Piano Speak'

"I am heartbroken by the passing of jazz icon Allen Toussaint while he was on tour in Europe. Last year, Allen was honored with a NOLA Legends Award for his part in creating the history and shaping the future of New Orleans 

Glen Campbell will be forever linked to songwriter Jimmy Webb, who provided the Rhinestone Cowboy with signature hits like "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "Galveston." But it was Allen Toussaint, the legendary New Orleans musician 

There will be many better, more comprehensive tributes today from musicians, music lovers and New Orleanians who knew him well, so don't stop here without going further to celebrate Allen Toussaint's life. I met him on only 

He practically died on-stage in Madrid, an appropriate ending to a rich, music-filled life. Allen Toussaint, a renowned and influential New Orleans r&b and soul legend, has passed away following a heart attack on Monday.

New Orleans producer, songwriter, performer and overall legend Allen Toussaint passed away following a Monday (Nov. 9) concert in Madrid at age 77. One of Toussaint's biggest hits was as the producer of the landmark 1974 album Nightbirds from LaBelle.