You may have watched Sunday’s NBA All-Star Halftime Show with various New Orleans musicians killing it live. The man who ended the jamboree while singing “Yes We Can Can” and playing piano was none other than 70-year-old Allen Toussaint. You’re like, “Who?” Well, A.T. wrote and performed “Get Out My Life Woman” which was covered notably by Lee Dorsey, the Meters, Iron Butterfly, Bill Cosby (yes, the comedian had some funky ’70s LPs), Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, and a bundle more of Funk/Soul/Jazz artists. If you don’t know the original but are a hip hop head, you definitely would recognize the piano sample on early ’90s joints like Kool G. Rap’s “Ill Street Blues,” Large Professor “How My Man Went Down In The Game,” and Biz Markie’s “Funk Is Back.” The song’s drum loop was flipped by Beat Nuts, Tribe Called Quest, and about 10 other producers.
If you’re a vinyl junkie like me, pick up Chocolate Milk’s 1975 RCA Records classic Action Speak Louder Than Words and We’re All In This Together (RCA 1977), both produced by Allen Toussaint. Duke had flavor for days, and I was happy to see him get his proper shine on national TV on Sunday. Word to Bounce.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Drew Peets says:
Great break by the way. Bob showing a 45 label?
LOL… I remember when Citizen Kane and Chairman Mao were up at WKCR flipping breaks after breaks off of the 45’s. I remember the flute break from “Snake Eyes” came on and I perked up to see. Bob you promptly covered the label. All I remember is that is “Mighty Mighty” by “Something” Anderson… I THINK.
February 20th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Jeremy Ripley says:
Bob-I searched Toussaint on discogs.com, and noticed that the dude produced the original “Lady Marmalade”, a lot of The Meters music, and my favorite Aaron Neville joint “Hercules”. Have you heard that? It’s an awesome song!
Thanks for putting me on the Chocolate Milk stuff. I took a listen to, “We’re All In This Together.” Lovin’ It!
I have no vinyl, but I’m really thinking about getting into buying some. I’ve been reading several hip-hop/soul related blogs, and as the music industry has moved away from vinyl, artists are being supported less and less…
Great post.
Sooperman Lover_
February 21st, 2008 at 12:31 am
Bakar says:
I didn’t catch the halftime show, but good to see the League coming off proper in terms of the entertainers. For a moment there I thought it’s all gonna be Lil’ Wayne and Master P.. ugh.
February 21st, 2008 at 12:41 am
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
drew-
“mighty mighty” is by jesse anderson i believe, pretty rare 7″. i have it in my stacks somewhere . . . i think there’s a version of it by baby huey that’s banging too.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:08 am
Drew Peets says:
Thanks broham.
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Nhamz says:
B, I was blessed to be there in person in New Orleans - CRAZY. Allen Toussaint killed it! I can’t front, in person the Rebirth Brass Band (I know, I know) and Trombone Shorty were extra, EXTRA nice! I’ve got a version of ‘Get Out Of My Life Woman’ and of course ‘Ill Street Blues’ and Large Professors and Biz’s joints - so thanks for connecting with the original. Good ish.