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Arts & Culture

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS: Allen Toussaint

Legendary New Orleans songwriter Allen Toussaint hits the AUSTIN CITY LIMITS stage.
Courtesy of Scott Newton
Legendary New Orleans songwriter Allen Toussaint hits the AUSTIN CITY LIMITS stage.

Airs Friday, August 24, 2012 at 11:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS continues its longstanding tradition of showcasing the best of original American music. Musical styles range from contemporary and traditional pop to rock, country, blues, bluegrass, Latin, folk, roots and more. All find a home on the AUSTIN CITY LIMITS stage. Recipient of a Peabody Award for 37 years of excellence.

"Allen Toussaint" - In this episode, legendary New Orleans songwriter Allen Toussaint hits the AUSTIN CITY LIMITS stage with songs from his latest LP, "The Bright Mississippi," and classic hits like "Southern Nights."

His career has spanned over 40 years, all adding up to include being inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." After years of writing, producing, recording, arranging, performing and conducting, Toussaint's music is continuing on.

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Several of his songs are commercial themes, "Yes We Can" (Slim Fast) and "Working in the Coalmine" (WalMart). His productions are continuously sampled, introducing it to an entire new arena of listeners. Songs "Java" and "Southern Night" have both been credited and cited for over 2 million airings.

The most recent of Toussaint’s long list of honors and accolades is the Grammy nominated pop/vocal album of the year, "The River in Reverse"; Toussaint’s collaboration with Elvis Costello. As Mr. Toussaint Hurrican Katrina was the best booking agent and with that he has started to tour and perform before a whole new audience. The truly amazing part is there's more to come...

Visit pbs.org/video to watch full AUSTIN CITY LIMITS episodes. New episodes are available the day after their broadcast premiere.

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