Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights" - Joe's Pub (11.20.11)

Epic storytelling by the legendary Allen Toussaint.
Video by Kevin Yatarola www.kebya.com

[@jeffcaltabiano4402]

"I got the feeling of being on that porch that everything important in the whole world was there." Amen.

[@bobabooey285]

He was right, it was there

[@cynthiasimien2794]

This just became the first official Louisiana state song written by an African American composer. Yep! It's going to the Gov to be signed and become law. We lit the fire, me & Terrance Simien and with help from his son Reggie, our friend Dustin Cravins and Rep. Vincent Pierre - we got it done! And done!

[@dinosaur9309]

You’re going to make many peoples lives more special, well done!

[@lloydrobeau5126]

As it should be !!🎶❤️🎶

[@lloydrobeau5126]

As it should be !! 🎶❤️🎶

[@bobabooey285]

Dang, how many state songs do they have?

[@cynthiasimien2794]

@@bobabooey285 3 I think, but the general public only know one, You Are My Sunshine b/c the state of Louisiana has only used it in tourism promotion and branding. It's long overdue that they have this one and use it like they have the other one.

[@KynrScott]

Dad and I, we are talking, PBS on as background noise, no mind being played save for us together. PBS graced us with this. It wasn't till the very end we realized neither of us were talking. Completely entranced. Lost in reflection, together in our own Southern Nights

[@Rocket57ca]

Epic performance. Mr. Toussaint was a great man. A humble human being whose list of musical accomplishments are a mile long. He embodied the spirit of New Orleans music. Some people are put on earth just to make us feel better about the human condition. He was one of those.

[@nancywhitty4008]

You nailed it. "Make this world a better land than the one in which we live, and help each man be a better man with the kindness that you give." (Yes We Can Can) R.I.P. Allen, now you gone, but you had the biggest second line I've ever seen. Hope you saw it from heaven.

[@richardthurston2171]

Fantastic.

[@terryefleetwood5682]

He was a gentleman, sweet humble, loving spiritual soul, loved the world, New Orleans & everyone in it

[@agreatday9566]

Listening to this always makes me feel better. Just something about it. Thank you for your gift to the world, Allen.

[@drakegaming3085]

"these old grey houses, there were all old, I never saw a new one, in fact I don't think they were ever new, I think they were built old" timeless

[@douglynch8954]

Wow! What incredible storytelling and all the while playing the piano to support the story. Genius.

[@knotheadusc]

This version always makes me cry.

[@craigrogers3864]

This takes me to a place I can't explain... so peaceful

[@brucemarmy8500]

Love's lullaby

[@helenet.8217]

I had Allen's "Southern Nights" album in my record collection for many years until Hurricane Katrina took everything. Being a New Orleans native, that was only natural that I'd have that album of his. But I'd never heard THIS version of the song until earlier today driving here in New Orleans. I reached the destination and couldn't get out of the car as had to finish listening to the song. Absolutely astonishing. A true time slip for me listening to Allen's story as his piano playing created the perfect mood for it. Thank you, Allen Toussaint, for your gift. You were one of a kind, and I'll always love you and your music.

[@YattaChatta]

This was recorded after The Katrina while he was in exile in New York, I think. It truly chills the New Orleans Native SOUL!

[@openingstar]

With deep gratitude for all you gave and shared and leave us. RIP

[@jackiebuckman7344]

This song comforts the soul.

[@leighannmauk]

I wish I was on that porch with him. I miss you Allen.

[@neptunestylev]

Heard this for the first time the other day. Touched me. Respect to you and rest in peace. Long may New Orleans keep this culture in tact.

[@brucemarmy8500]

2/20/21 Tonight I saw Allen Toussaint perform this. It is as nurturing a moment as I have ever known on this earth. The gifts set before us humble my soul. Although this is produced beautifully, it does not lose one iota of sincerity. His story telling is the gift from the Almighty.

[@Pawdee]

Wow - genius! I came to this song thru Glen Campbell and discovered this guy, the writer, who transforms this song into some kind of beautiful elegy. What a talent.

[@XxJj95xX]

Those 7 people who disliked this video are trolls! Allen is one of the greats in my opinion!!

[@slampert10]

I wish I had those experiences of being on that porch "when everything important in the whole world was there". What a memory.

[@jeffreyhwilson]

so beautiful. transports you to another time and place.

[@badiraha]

There are not enough hearts for Mr. Toussaint and this song. That chord change at 2:33 is life altering.

[@miniman2132]

His piano playing to accompany the story he tells from this point on is honestly the most relaxing tune I’ve just about ever heard .. the money id pay to get a long clear recording of it for easy listening. It’s a wonderful performance, but the tune it’s set to it what makes me keep coming back to this video. Wonderful, I wonder if those in the crowd that day appreciated what a special performance this is.

[@bernardmcgovern6072]

You will be missed Alan Toussaint. Thank you for all the wonderful music and memories

[@pmcdonald8219]

Saw him tell the story on Austin City limits. I love it.

[@babybelle5]

Beautiful..doesn't even begin to describe this song...

[@terryefleetwood5682]

I sat next to Mac Rebannack he said no one will miss Allan as much as me during your memorial service @ the Orpheum theater

[@YattaChatta]

Thank you, Joe's Pub, for capturing this! I am 5th Genie, born, raised 'n po-boy bred New Orleans. It warms my Creole Heart

[@harmoniabalanza]

I was driving to do a show with my band today and heard this on the radio--even better than this version. When it was over I felt I'd been given a great gift of creative inspiration. The show was fab, the muse stuck by me the whole time. Thank you Mr Touissaint.

[@terryefleetwood5682]

I miss you so much Allan, Thank you for singing to me and my dog @ the lake

[@douglasball6911]

I had a porch like that on a beautiful central Florida lake, and played my 1903 Cable upright for my Mom! I know I played this song like that close to when I graduated in 1974! Nothing like it, I love this

[@MrsScope44590]

Brought back memories of sitting on front porch!

[@vankullstudio]

A true artist With emotion and love

[@veronicaoliver5272]

I love him so... (so does everybody! thank goodness!!!) . What a treasure Mr. Toussaint is, thanks for the lagniappe with this one. xo

[@marcgermay785]

I love this song SOOO much, particularly this version. I just can't find the LIVE FULL STORYTELLIN version for download. But it's done SO well and it makes you feel like your there! That's music done riiiight!

[@SillyGirl4794]

I just discovered Allen Toussaint's music bc Austin City Limits just aired a special episode featuring him. I had never heard of him and was thinking about just deleting the episode. Thank goodness I didn't! As soon as he started playing, I was floored by his piano playing and how well the whole band sounded. Anyway, that episode has this story telling version at the very end. I don't know if it is available to buy/ download, but maybe check it out.

[@marcgermay785]

@@SillyGirl4794 that's soo awesome! I first heard this song... huh.. either on NPR's nightly jazz program OR SiriusXM's limited edition "Mardi Gras Radio" on ch: 'Real Jazz'! But i fell in LOVE WITH IT and I've been trying to track this down as an MP3 foreeeverr with no success. This week is literally the first time I actually found the full storytelling version on KZbin after some research! Either way.. if there is an MP3 version anywhere.. I really want it!!! Music doesn't get that much better than this, this is top shelf music!

[@SillyGirl4794]

@@marcgermay785 I wish there were mp3 versions, too. I searched the Austin city limits archives and store to see if it was possible to buy a DVD of his ACL performance, but no such luck.... I will just die if the copy on my DVR falls apart or if I have to switch cable providers and the DVR. :( I have to see if his personal website has similar live performances that are available for sale.

[@marcgermay785]

@@SillyGirl4794 yeah I too have had pretty lousy luck locating an MP3 anywhere of that song. If you ever find it anywhere, please let me know!

[@YattaChatta]

Live @Joe's Pub on CD, I believe

[@leswagstaff4908]

The Man...Wow.

[@YattaChatta]

This Version was a Fav of mine& listeners, callers, on The Gumbo Show, a New Orleans Music Radio Show I hosted 2015-18 out West Northern California on KMUD Radio. Any WhoTeeWhoDats 🎶

[@jimdartouzos2127]

SUPER AWESOME

[@afkghost9758]

This is the most beautiful recording I've heard of Allen doing Southern Nights. I'd like to thank y'all for uploading and I'd love a copy for sale if available?

[@soulrole4025]

love him so much! beautiful..mahalo for sharing!

[@elohimfire1]

Wow! Just wow!

[@craigrogers3864]

Beautiful

[@thejamnasium6447]

Master. Treasure. Legend.

[@humanonearth1]

Keep this world from fighting...

[@stevepeters3961]

I mean it’s real American history. Not African American in particular

[@nivlemproductions7696]

RIP

[@rasykes1980]

Piano was slightly out of tune but it added something that grabs me.... damn.

[@engletinaknickerbocker5380]

I was thinking of this for my brother Jimmy, when he was in training for the Marines in Camp LeJeune, I'm sure that he would've remembered this music around him. He never said too much about his service. He joined up right out of high school. He was engaged to a young woman before he was honorably discharged, but they decided not to marry, and he moved to Washington, the State and eventually moved to a hill top overlooking apple orchards and pine tree farms. He lived there until he planned to move back to where wer grew up --no southern nights in Chugiak, Alaska. Anyway, when he was dying in the Portland VA last year of COVID-19, all of us brothers and sisters tried to make things easy on his mind so he wouldn't get anxious, and I was thinking of songs he might like to hear that wouldn't make him sad about leaving us early. I wouldn't have played this song, but now I do to hear it and remember how as kids we'd visit memere and the old great aunts and cousins, and sleep on the cool linoleum floor in memere's apartment because it was so hot in August and we weren't used to those dog days.

[@craigrogers3864]

Not much sounds better than this...

[@mary-jogeorgiev1818]

So enchanting and sublime ...

[@Enevan1968]

This song encompasses EVERY American music genre!

[@danieljohnhawxhurst8463]

Killa!

[@joypace9100]

His awesome

[@bobabooey285]

Smooth as a baby's bottom

[@elation0x]

So dearly missed

[@pamelav4628]

Love him

[@NightinMadrid]

RIP Jazz legend

[@nicolasemanuel8839]

that ain't no jazz

[@PaladineSkyBlade]

Ever since I heard this version, I tear up even when listening to the original. It just takes me back to when times were simpler, and I get awash with melancholic feelings

[@stevepeters3961]

I mean standing under a gorgeous southern sky at dusk right now on my deck looking out over the mountains. How could it better? This is the ultimate truth

[@craigrogers3864]

Great jacket and tie 👍

[@stevepeters3961]

So great. He’s obviously got superior intelligence

[@douglasball6911]

PS my son lives in NOLA now…

[@stevepeters3961]

It’s just too good!!! This is America!!!

[@byronmacdowell2001]

Can I find this on an album?

[@craigrogers3864]

Byron MacDowell Songbook

[@fayerson]

Craig Rogers Southern Nights

[@stevepeters3961]

I mean, come on now!! Is there a better way to to pass wisdom?

[@S.J.L]

This is the best version, if you can, fix the audio.

[@Clodhopping]

Or tune the piano in post production....

[@jonathanlee323]

i come back to this over and over again

[@stevepeters3961]

I mean I don’t know how to respond😊

[@joe47771]

Here we go again...

[@christopherschipper3132]

sigh

[@user-tb4el1sr1q]

Above 7 ✨✨⭐✨⭐