NEW ORLEANS (AP) – New Orleans musical legend Allen Toussaint died Tuesday after a heart attack in Spain. Some reaction from artists and fans on his passing:
– Patti LaBelle wrote in an email: “Allen was a gentle giant! Perceptive, kind and always open to your input and feelings. He knew how to listen and never offended. He also introduced me to shrimp sandwiches, which I still love today! I just can’t say enough good things about him! He wrote a special song for me, “Don’t Make Your Angel Cry,” and I’ll be singing that for him at my next show. Allen was one classy man and I will truly miss him!”
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– Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, said in a statement: “Allen Toussaint was one of music’s most influential figures to hail from New Orleans. … Further solidifying his rich legacy, his songs were recorded by a diverse group of artists such as Jerry Garcia, Ringo Starr, Glen Campbell, Devo, the Band and the Rolling Stones, among others. The music community has lost a true icon.”
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