Allen Toussaint is an American genius and an incrediblely gracious gentleman also. I've met him several times at Jazzfest and he always has been pleasant, friendly and appreciative of those who enjoy his music. I have an amazing story about Allen, my youngest son meeting him there and being remembered the next weekend. A true Jazzfest moment. He'll be at Jazzfest again this year, his set is always one of the best that day.
Shhhh...If we open our minds and close our eyes, Mr. Toussaint will sing and play us to sleep with some sweet southern dreams. Thank you Mr. Toussaint. We love you still.
As others have said, this is simply wonderful. It's music , not for grown ups, but for people for whom the music transports to somewhere else. It's music to enrich the soul.
The lyrics are so bittersweet and beautiful: Old man. He and his dog they walked the old land. Every flower touched his cold hand. As he slowly walked by the weeping willows would cry for joy.
Saw him live not much before he died, it blew my mind how he could play the beautiful piece on the piano while telling a story with no thought of how difficult that is to us mere mortals. What a treasure.
He was the best. Superb musician, talented writer of wonderful songs. Enjoyed his music and admired the simple humility of his soul. The world lost a dear tender talented man.
Just saw him in Raleigh. Man, I was blown away. At one point most of the folks in my row had tear filled eyes, only to be launched from total emotion to the most completely sick funk pocket I've ever sat in. Goosebumps.
I like giants that stay away for hype and the spotlight. This man's talent and happy spirit are self evident. Let another grow from the weeds and shine in the same humble way.
He was one of the musical greats in New Orleans , and he will be miss dearly from the Seals to the Tousaints with love we miss you my cousin , I am sing along with you with a heavy heart and will remember the music and contributions to the community including you performing at Jazz Fest a former New Orleans resident now in Houston, Texas RIP my dear cousin.
Flew from San Diego to DC to catch one of his concerts a couple of years back...little did I realize until a few years ago that I had been listening to Allen's music since I was a teenager...I am now in my 60's...so happy that I am now aware that so much of his beautiful music that I heard were just covers...if you ever have any opportunity to see him, do it! One of the most gracious and talented performers I have ever seen...and I have seen countless.
I was listening to this on Spotfy the 13 minute version from Songbook. I had my eyes clothes and I shed a little tear or two. It's such a beautiful song.
I will ALWAYS LOVE YOU Allen, and All the good times, that I shared with you my friend, YOU WAS THE BEST. I will be listening to your music forever and thanks to the Internet, your music will Always be seen, around the World, because you took the time to travel the World, and to sing for everyone, you is greatly missed. you are the Biggest Jazz Angel in heaven, now entertaining God.
What a song! I must admit that I was prepared to be disappointed because this song has always been my favorite Glen Campbell recording, so I had set a fairly high bar as to whether I'd like this version by the songwriter himself. To my great delight, I enjoyed it immensely. As someone who tends to prefer more up-tempo music, I will probably always be partial to Glen's version (especially the one he does with Jerry Reed at some outdoor venue), but I am glad to know I can opt for Mr. Toussaint's original version when I'm in the mood for a more laid-back arrangement. RIP, Mr. Toussaint. And thank you for leaving some great music behind for us to enjoy for generations to come.
Always go back to this version of this song… it has so much more meaning! Creole can be agreed or not… that, as everything these days be argued upon… this song is beautiful and really hits me with those that have past in my family. The words are beautiful, I am put in a place and a feeling that I have not felt for a good while.
His original songs are lyric poems and real. The orange landscape on his album cover comes to mind. An old man and a dog. Why do tears come to my eyes?
"He and his dog, they walked the old land. Every flower touched his cold hand. As he slowly walked by, that weeping willow would cry for joy." Great songwriting.
I only pray I can write a song as amazingly beautiful as this gifted musician has with this timeless tune. God Bless him for giving me joy every time I listen to it.
I wish I could find the full version, also! His stories about his relatives were very interesting, like he was reading straight out of a novel. You can tell that his great songwriting comes from his great storytelling.
why do people dislike things like this that are pure genius? is it just to say "I was the only asshole to dislike this" or do they just hate everything thats good? Dear God society is taking a downward turn
The Master... As a former keyboardist of very eclectic taste but mostly played in rock bands I I nonetheless considered Mr. Toussaint a true master of the piano. Like most when very young my intro to Southern Nights was Glenn Campbell. Campbell was himself a masterful guitarist-but his version was very straightforward & poppy. From FIRST LISTEN, Mr. Toussaint’s real version with its surreal, ethereal tone PERFECTLY CAPTURES LOUISIANA, in all her wild, magical, wondrous glory! I’m a “Born Again Louisianan”. My father grew up there, I’ve spent years visiting & staying at the little fishing camp he bought. The days are beautiful, the nights magical. The slinky night mist on lakes, the Spanish Moss, the lightning bugs, the wonderful, rich “jungly” smell... From the marshes in the south to the forests up north She is a magical, tempestuous, paradise of unearthly beauty... And Master Toussaint’s Southern Nights is for me, a love song worthy of being her anthem!
This is the first time I have heard Allen sing his song (I loved the Glen Campbell version). Knew Allen's work arranging the horn work for The Band and his production work. Love this version.
@catnipnbone He did go over well in San Francisco, New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1985, at a club called the Oasis. One of the few shows he's ever played outside of New Orleans. The late great sax player Steve Douglas put a backup band together, and they brought the house down, opening with Huey Smith's "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie-Woogie Flu" and continuing on through ALL the Toussaint classics. Yes, it really happened, and what a privilege it was to be there.
malbuff - he played at least once more in San Francisco before he died, at SFJazz. I was privileged to see him play and talk about his old house, front porch, family... beautiful.
Great song. Mr T has been on BBC4 tonight in a Songwriters Circle special. For those of you who can get it, it is well worth the watch on the BBC iPlayer. Mr T, James Grant and James Dean Bradfield (Manics), an all acoustic set. This guy was just amazing.
This song instills such beauty and sorrow within me. Its a homage that i have potential to be just as great as musicians before me but, at the same time, I'll never meet such geniuses like this man because they were before my time or out of my reach of access. From high school onward, allen Toussaint and musicans with such soul as he will endlessly inspire me.
I'm always amazed that this New Orleans' brutha and legendary virtuoso is the songwriter of Glen Campbell's 1977 mega-kuntry/pop hit, Southern Nights, AND yet is also the record producer genius behind Labelle's 1975 landmark smash #1 Lady Marmalade. This live performance reveals the real elegance of the song, Southern Nights, and hints at Toussaint's talents.
One of the most beautiful songs ever. Period.
Copy that.
Allen Toussaint is an American genius and an incrediblely gracious gentleman also. I've met him several times at Jazzfest and he always has been pleasant, friendly and appreciative of those who enjoy his music. I have an amazing story about Allen, my youngest son meeting him there and being remembered the next weekend. A true Jazzfest moment. He'll be at Jazzfest again this year, his set is always one of the best that day.
Shhhh...If we open our minds and close our eyes, Mr. Toussaint will sing and play us to sleep with some sweet southern dreams. Thank you Mr. Toussaint. We love you still.
That's nice! Ok I'll be quiet!
You get it... well said!
What a talent!
As others have said, this is simply wonderful. It's music , not for grown ups, but for people for whom the music transports to somewhere else. It's music to enrich the soul.
The lyrics are so bittersweet and beautiful: Old man. He and his dog they walked the old land. Every flower touched his cold hand. As he slowly walked by the weeping willows would cry for joy.
A biography in harmony
I love this man. Nothing short of love for his brilliance. This song reminds me of my Grandmother.
Music is all about making personal connections.
Saw him live not much before he died, it blew my mind how he could play the beautiful piece on the piano while telling a story with no thought of how difficult that is to us mere mortals. What a treasure.
Allen is on the roll of the classical songwriters of the ages. A beautiful man!
I'm sorry I discovered this man so late in life. His playing is magical.
I still can't believe he is gone.
Hearing this live is better than southern comfort!!!
He is a joy to hear!!
thanks Allen...
Good God....This is magnificent
Rest in Peace, you Southern Knight
Southern knight sounds mega sus...
Thank you, Allen Toussaint, for bathing my soul. RIP, my brother!
This has been one of my favorite songs since the first time I've heard it.
I've been listening to this GENIUS sing this song for 45-years. I still cry every time. Every time.
You can feel the leaves shimmering out in the country...
Last saw him perform this at Jazzfest a few months ago. Still as great as ever. What a musician and what a loss.
He was the best. Superb musician, talented writer of wonderful songs. Enjoyed his music and admired the simple humility of his soul. The world lost a dear tender talented man.
Allen T figured in so much of the music of my young Southern life... and this song brings tears of sweet memory every time I hear it. Adios, Mr. T
R.I.P. Allen. A New Orleans legend for sure.
Rest in peace Allen and thanks man!
Thank you for giving us your beautiful music to listen to forever. Rest in peace.
Just saw him in Raleigh. Man, I was blown away. At one point most of the folks in my row had tear filled eyes, only to be launched from total emotion to the most completely sick funk pocket I've ever sat in. Goosebumps.
A giant of a man has left us.
I like giants that stay away for hype and the spotlight. This man's talent and happy spirit are self evident. Let another grow from the weeds and shine in the same humble way.
He was on PBS here in Houston tonight and sang this song. A Super great rendition since he wrote this. A Tribute to New Orleans. Happy Mardis Gras!
Allen Tousaint is a Southern gentleman and we're so proud of him.
He was one of the musical greats in New Orleans , and he will be miss dearly from the Seals to the Tousaints with love we miss you my cousin , I am sing along with you with a heavy heart and will remember the music and contributions to the community including you performing at Jazz Fest a former New Orleans resident now in Houston, Texas RIP my dear cousin.
Unless you have heard his music in the air of southern Louisiana night you can never know the true beauty of this song.
You will be greatly missed. Thank you for the music, it will live forever.
This is pure magic. The imagery he creates is so real that you were almost there with him as a child. One of my favorite RUclips finds.
once heard, never forgotten....
RIP Mr. Toussaint! A true gentleman and an amazing musician and songwriter!
R.I.P Allen Toussaint
Flew from San Diego to DC to catch one of his concerts a couple of years back...little did I realize until a few years ago that I had been listening to Allen's music since I was a teenager...I am now in my 60's...so happy that I am now aware that so much of his beautiful music that I heard were just covers...if you ever have any opportunity to see him, do it! One of the most gracious and talented performers I have ever seen...and I have seen countless.
I was listening to this on Spotfy the 13 minute version from Songbook. I had my eyes clothes and I shed a little tear or two. It's such a beautiful song.
I will ALWAYS LOVE YOU Allen, and All the good times, that I shared with you my friend, YOU WAS THE BEST. I will be listening to your music forever and thanks to the Internet, your music will Always be seen, around the World, because you took the time to travel the World, and to sing for everyone, you is greatly missed. you are the Biggest Jazz Angel in heaven, now entertaining God.
Another part of my childhood passes. Thank you Allen, beautiful memories. RIP
Loved you, always will! Keep singing and playing for the Creator!
What a song! I must admit that I was prepared to be disappointed because this song has always been my favorite Glen Campbell recording, so I had set a fairly high bar as to whether I'd like this version by the songwriter himself. To my great delight, I enjoyed it immensely.
As someone who tends to prefer more up-tempo music, I will probably always be partial to Glen's version (especially the one he does with Jerry Reed at some outdoor venue), but I am glad to know I can opt for Mr. Toussaint's original version when I'm in the mood for a more laid-back arrangement.
RIP, Mr. Toussaint. And thank you for leaving some great music behind for us to enjoy for generations to come.
Rest in Peace Allen Toussaint, May your music forever live on and on and on.
Magical. I heard this on Sirius jazz channel the other day and was instantly mesmerized.
Why did it have to stop! Just discovered Mr. Toussaint and can't honestly get enough. Thanks for posting some this live preformance!
Always go back to this version of this song… it has so much more meaning! Creole can be agreed or not… that, as everything these days be argued upon… this song is beautiful and really hits me with those that have past in my family. The words are beautiful, I am put in a place and a feeling that I have not felt for a good while.
Sad to hear of his passing. God Bless his family and comfort them in this time of sorrow.
This is a beautiful song by an incredibly gifted song writer that has enriched my life by his beautiful songs.
His original songs are lyric poems and real. The orange landscape on his album cover comes to mind. An old man and a dog. Why do tears come to my eyes?
the weeping willow would cry for joy...
"He and his dog, they walked the old land. Every flower touched his cold hand. As he slowly walked by, that weeping willow would cry for joy." Great songwriting.
@@spinningreelsofrhyme shits genius man
So beautiful
He would have been 78 today.Thanks for all of the great music.
He brought a little bit of New Orleans to the rest of the world. R.I.P.
Thomas Stones yea ya right
And nearly 50 years later I am so happy to be living in Louisiana, the greatest home of musical artists in the entire world!
I only pray I can write a song as
amazingly beautiful as this gifted
musician has with this timeless
tune.
God Bless him for giving me joy every time I listen to it.
I cry every time. Not to many people know about this song or what it means. And I am in Calie!
Rest In Peace. Amazing pianist & singer, much love from Switzerland. Your music is timeless
This is one of my all time favorite songs. How beautiful.
Reminds me of Mississippi
R.I.P. Allen. from japan
This is the best thing on the internet ever.
One of my favourite songs! Thanks from the heart Allen!
Love this ....RIP Mr. Toussaint
We saw him solo a few nights ago. Magical. If he is ever anywhere within driving distance of you Just Go.
I wish I could find the full version, also! His stories about his relatives were very interesting, like he was reading straight out of a novel. You can tell that his great songwriting comes from his great storytelling.
Playing a great little venue in Dublin in a month. Can't wait - he's one of the greats - singer, writer, producer, everything in one package.
Love this
We just saw this gentlemen live in Ashville, NC at the Orange Peel live and he is special.
You rock. I grew up in MS, too. Lived in Pass Christian until Katrina. Wish I had known ya.
why do people dislike things like this that are pure genius? is it just to say "I was the only asshole to dislike this" or do they just hate everything thats good? Dear God society is taking a downward turn
Rest in Light Sir Toussaint❤
Very beautiful music recalling the best parts of the American South. Thank you!
R.I.P musical genius.
The Master... As a former keyboardist of very eclectic taste but mostly played in rock bands I I nonetheless considered Mr. Toussaint a true master of the piano.
Like most when very young my intro to Southern Nights was Glenn Campbell. Campbell was himself a masterful guitarist-but his version was very straightforward & poppy.
From FIRST LISTEN, Mr. Toussaint’s real version with its surreal, ethereal tone PERFECTLY CAPTURES LOUISIANA, in all her wild, magical, wondrous glory!
I’m a “Born Again Louisianan”. My father grew up there, I’ve spent years visiting & staying at the little fishing camp he bought. The days are beautiful, the nights magical. The slinky night mist on lakes, the Spanish Moss, the lightning bugs, the wonderful, rich “jungly” smell... From the marshes in the south to the forests up north She is a magical, tempestuous, paradise of unearthly beauty... And Master Toussaint’s Southern Nights is for me, a love song worthy of being her anthem!
RIP Maestro, see you when I get there....& thanks...
Simply beautiful!!!
R.I.P. allen toussaint new orleans music will never be the same again
thank you sonic highways for bringing me here
Tom Vandaley me too tom..
This is the first time I have heard Allen sing his song (I loved the Glen Campbell version). Knew Allen's work arranging the horn work for The Band and his production work. Love this version.
Absolutely perfect...
This makes me really want to go to New Orleans. Thankyou for uploading this video.
My god, how beautiful. And I'm a New Yorker lol. He was so great. RIP.
this is just achingly beautiful
I just saw him do this in Chicago. So glad to find it on RUclips!
@catnipnbone He did go over well in San Francisco, New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 1985, at a club called the Oasis. One of the few shows he's ever played outside of New Orleans. The late great sax player Steve Douglas put a backup band together, and they brought the house down, opening with Huey Smith's "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie-Woogie Flu" and continuing on through ALL the Toussaint classics. Yes, it really happened, and what a privilege it was to be there.
malbuff - he played at least once more in San Francisco before he died, at SFJazz. I was privileged to see him play and talk about his old house, front porch, family... beautiful.
Just beautiful!
Awesome is not a strong enough word to describe this song and this man who wrote it. ..How about. ...SUPER AWESOME.
Hey Uncle Allen, this bring back many memories .... You sound and look wonderful.... this is beautiful...
Such a beautiful talent.
I am definitely going to JazzFest 2008, mostly just to see this man.
Great song.
Mr T has been on BBC4 tonight in a Songwriters Circle special. For those of you who can get it, it is well worth the watch on the BBC iPlayer.
Mr T, James Grant and James Dean Bradfield (Manics), an all acoustic set.
This guy was just amazing.
Where did all the good musicians go? This is absolutely beautiful.
He made the World better❤️ Just wish I'd of known about him sooner.
holy shit am i bummed out now , RIP to a legend
I saw Allen Toussaint live in Tokyo recently. He's a musical genius and a great performer. It was fun.
wonderful. a true youtube treasure.
thanks.
thank you for your gifts
rip to my cousin I miss him great New Orleans music legend .
I'm hearing a lot of Tipitina, Professor Longhair. Wonderful!!! What an emotional and relaxing performance!
This song instills such beauty and sorrow within me. Its a homage that i have potential to be just as great as musicians before me but, at the same time, I'll never meet such geniuses like this man because they were before my time or out of my reach of access. From high school onward, allen Toussaint and musicans with such soul as he will endlessly inspire me.
Thank you Allen...
makes me cry it's so beautiful! right on Allen Toussaint!
I'm always amazed that this New Orleans' brutha and legendary virtuoso is the songwriter of Glen Campbell's 1977 mega-kuntry/pop hit, Southern Nights, AND yet is also the record producer genius behind Labelle's 1975 landmark smash #1 Lady Marmalade.
This live performance reveals the real elegance of the song, Southern Nights, and hints at Toussaint's talents.
Very sweet.