
I saw Allen Toussaint play many times, played songs he wrote many times. One
of my favorite New Orleans memories is playing “Certain Girl” and
“Sneaking Sally Through the Alley” at K-Doe’s place the night Obama first
got elected in ‘08. I remember thinking that I’d come a long way from
Eltingville, in more ways than one.
Walking through San Sebastian, Spain on our honeymoon, AC and I heard his
satin voice ghosting through the cobblestone streets one afternoon - he was on
tour with Elvis Costello and playing an outdoor set
in town. We walked up a side street and listened to him sing, a blessing of New
Orleans soul following us across the globe.
He is a New Orleans icon and worldwide treasure always. Whatever you do, try
to do it as well as he did, with as much humility, grace, style, and authority.
And, for god sakes, make it funky. From now on.
Published on November 10, 2015 10:39