I would like to say a few words about my friend, the great Allen Toussaint. I want to first thank him for believing in me during my early days of singing. He produced my first recordings back in 1960 to 1964, on Minit Records. He also recorded songs for my brother Art. Later in 1972, he recorded me again with songs like “The Greatest Love” and “Hercules.” He was an icon in the music business. He was a great humanitarian. He and I co founded New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness (NOAAHH) back in 1985 and he was scheduled to do a benefit concert with Paul Simon in December for the organization’s 30th anniversary. I know he is loved by a lot of people from New Orleans and around the world for helping them in their careers. He was a great person and a great songwriter and producer. But most of all he was a gentleman. And he will be missed by the music world, my heart is sad. His family is in my prayers.
-Aaron Neville
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MAY 03: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, and Aaron Neville backstage during The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: A Celebration of Mac & His Music at the Saenger Theatre on May 3, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Rick Diamond/DJBB14/Getty Images for Blackbird Productions)