WWOZ will air a special, two-part episode of New Orleans Calling in honor of Allen Toussaint’s birthday on January 14. The broadcast will take place from 2pm-4pm CT.

Part One lets Toussaint tell his story in his own words using interviews preserved at the Archive of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. The recordings find the legendary producer and songwriter discussing his early career, particularly the years leading up to his early 1960s stint in the U.S. Army. Part One also features an exclusive lvive recording of Toussaint’s 2005 performances at WWOZ’s annual Piano Night benefit show, which has not been heard in ten years.

Part Two includes interviews with some of Toussaint’s longtime collaborators and friends. It paints a picture of a remarkable and seemingly contradictory man, who was both soft spoken and powerful, and who had was able to bring out the best in musicians.

Toussaint, who passed away in November, was a New Orleans icon, and one of the most respected songwriters, producers and performers of his generation. He was also a longtime supporter of WWOZ, beginning as a board members at the station’s inception in 1980. WWOZ’s New Orleans Calling, hosted by George Ingmire, is a program that brings the music, stories, sounds and people of the Big Easy to 55 non-commercial radio stations around the world.

Part One of the show’s Toussaint special is currently available online, though Part Two will not be posted online until after the full, two-part episode debuts this Thursday, January 14.

 

In related news, the New Orleans City Council recently passed a resolution declaring January 14 to be Allen Toussaint Day.