Page 76 - Blues Festival Guide Magazine 2016

Allen Toussaint’s exceptional performances on the LRBC became even more
poignant, as they were among his last Photo by Ÿ Joseph A. Rosen
the big showroom with Mr. Tousssaint and Irma Thomas – a
Q&A conducted by Bill Wax. He talked about the early days
with Irma in the city as well as the post-Katrina music scene
for the musicians of New Orleans.
Toussaint wrote “Mother-in-Law,” “I Like It Like That,”
“Working in the Coal Mine” and “Southern Nights,” among
many other hits. He was also the producer for hundreds of
recordings, among the best known include Dr. John’s “Right
Place, Wrong Time” and Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade.”
We were blessed to see this “behind the scenes” gentleman
taking center stage for some of his final performances. He
even honored us by taking the time to do a station drop for
Ozcat Radio. We were stunned and saddened to hear that
this great man, this American treasure, Mister New Orleans
himself, passed away on November 10, 2015, just a short
time after the Blues Cruise docked.
Even though we only had one full day in New Orleans,
the Blues Cruise provided the full New Orleans experience.
It was a quickie, but we are virgins no more. Can’t wait until
the LRBC heads back to New Orleans.

Kate Martinelli is the co-founder of Ozcat Radio 89.5 FM in
Vallejo, CA, and the host of The Sunny Mix radio program.
She is a freelance writer, graphic and web designer, but most
of all, devoted mother and grandmother. Find Ozcat Radio
online at www.ozcatradio.com or tune in via smartphone.

74 Blues Festival Guide 2016