Earlier this morning the sad news came down that legendary New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint passed away while on tour. As you’d expect, tributes poured in from all across not just the music world, but those with ties to the city of New Orleans and those around the world. Kind words came in from the likes of Hugh Laurie, the New Orleans Saints, Jack White’s Third Man Records, and a heartbreaking message from George Porter Jr., who said Toussaint “left a legacy like no other.” 

The Roots drummer Questlove probably said it best with a lengthy Instagram post summarizing Toussaint’s greatness and his influence on a number of genres of music. 

Man this hit home. Of all the cats that I never had a 1 on 1 convo w/ to pick their brain about their music experiences: this is numero uno. I don’t want y’all thinkin’ “this is just some old legend that passed away” naw. This dude wrote some of your favorite music & you just didn’t know it. He effected SO many genres. That’s how you know how potent and effective your art is: when you quietly change the scene w/o proper acknowledgement. If someone had the right to have KWest brag swag it was this man. But his humble quiet disposition wouldn’t allow such a thing. His work will now speak for itself. Just take time to peep his work w #LeeDorsey(#GetOutMyLifeWoman#RideYourPony) some of the greatest clever pop tunes crafted. Hip hop heads still salivate over all#TheMeters tunes he produced & shot new energy into the culture once sampling#JamesBrown was becoming stale (#CissyStrut#LookKaPyPy#JustKissedMyBaby#OhCalcutta) then came a slew of artists in the 70s & 80s that took his work & breathed new life into his songs: #YesWeCanCan#LadyMarmalade#WorkingInACoalmine) —name em! His work was so powerful everyone from#PaulMccartney to #DrJohn to#EricClapton to #TheRollingStones to even#JayZ (“….dear god I wonder can you save me?”….that piano loop? #Toussaint all day)#Amerie‘s most banging joint? (A Toussaint production sample) at least 12 “Get Out My Life Woman” snares were like starch in hip hop’s daily nutritional chart–meaning so there you barely notice it.—I can go on and on. Because his work goes on and on. You’ll read better op-eds by professional journalists. Kinda hard to cram all of this hiding from trainer in the gym on iPhone. But i felt the need to write something. When I tag #LegacyGoals I mean it. Humble cat whose work spoke louder than he did. That’s what we all need to learn from. Rest In Beats to the powerful #AllenToussaint

Read more tributes below.

You made us dance, you made us smile with your mojo always flying high. I wore out hundreds of LP’s listening to your creations. You left a huge hole in my heart today on the news of your passing. What a ride we had. What a thrill to have me along for the ride. You filled the world with songs that we loved so much. You became the best at what you do. The music world celebrates your life and times today with joy and love for all the moments given us. It was great hanging out with you this year. And don’t fret, I will pass that song that you wrote for us on to Bob, Bill, and John.

Desitively Bonnaroo,

~Mickey Hart

“Music lovers around the world today are mourning the passing of the legendary Allen Toussaint. He was one of the architects of rhythm and blues; a writer of many of America’s most well-known and beloved early rock and roll songs. I had the pleasure of hosting him at the Aspen Songwriters Festival some years ago and was honored to be able to perform with him and witness his inspired one man show.

Sending love to his family and friends around the world – he will be missed by millions, but his music will never die.”

– John Oates

R.I.P. to the master #allentoussaint
eternally grateful. @allentoussaint https://t.co/pz4PUX454X

— jim james (@jimjames) November 10, 2015

RIP Allen Toussaint. We lost a great one today. Prayers and love goes out to the Toussaint family, and all of NOLA. Fare Thee Well Allen

— Bill Kreutzmann (@BKreutzmann) November 10, 2015

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Allen Toussaint, who showcased our beloved city’s culture & passion pic.twitter.com/232a9moPjk

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 10, 2015

RIP Allen Toussaint – the world has lost a musical genius and beautiful spirit. https://t.co/gKfQr9VXZs

— Third Man Records (@thirdmanrecords) November 10, 2015

Wow… So many greats leaving us too soon. Especially in 2015. RIP Allen Toussaint… You influenced the entire w… https://t.co/9Iyih5NkpN

— Big Sam (@FunkyBigSam) November 10, 2015

The music world lost another great today. Rest in Peace Allen. pic.twitter.com/EBk6w8n4ML

— Benny Yurco (@BennyYurco) November 10, 2015

Allen Toussaint. Poor old world, lucky old heaven.

— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) November 10, 2015