Allen Toussaint has died aged 77.
The legendary New Orleans R&B songwriter and producer – known for hit songs such as ‘Working In The Coalmine’ and ‘Southern Nights’ – suffered a heart attack shortly after performing on stage at Madrid’s Teatro Lara on Monday night (09.11.15), according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
Toussaint was discovered in his hotel room and resuscitated
but suffered a second heart attack while being taken to the Jimenez Diaz Foundation Hospital in Madrid where he was pronounced dead on arrival, a spokesperson has confirmed.
The musician was due to play at London’s Jazz Festival on Sunday (15.11.15) among other concert dates.
During his varied career, Toussaint worked with some of the greats of popular music, including Sir Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones and Joe Cocker, while his songs have been covered by a variety of artists such as The Neville Brothers, Robert Palmer and Otis Reading over the past 40 years.
Since news of his passing broke, several stars have paid tribute to the iconic musician.
The Rolling Stones posted a short message on their Twitter account alongside a video of the song ‘Fortune Teller’, which Toussaint wrote for the band.
They simply wrote: "RIP Allen Toussaint (sic)"
‘The Simpsons’ voice actor Harry Shearer shared lyrics to one of Allen’s songs on the micro-blogging site as a tribute.
He wrote: "If you didn’t know before, now you do (sic)"
While actor-and-musician Hugh Laurie tweeted: "Allen Toussaint. Poor old world, lucky old heaven."
The American musician got his first lucky break stepping in for Huey Smith at the age 17 performing with Earl King’s band in Prichard, Alabama.
Toussaint swiftly made a name for himself penning many superb songs, which have become R&B staples and have been covered by numerous artists.
The Rolling Stones were among his biggest admirers, and not long before his death Toussaint admitted he was particularly glad the band decided to record his song ‘Fortune Teller’ because it earned him a good pay day.
He quipped: "I was so glad when The Stones recorded my song – I knew they would know how to roll it all the way to the bank!"
He is survived by his two children, son Clarence and daughter Alison, who both acted as his managers.
Allen Toussaint dies aged 77
