The Postal Service dedicated its stamp honoring musician Allen Toussaint in a New Orleans ceremony on Jan. 30.
Toussaint was a virtuoso pianist, singer, songwriter and producer. He helped shape the unique sound of New Orleans music and played a pivotal role in sharing it with the world.
“The United States Postal Service is deeply honored to dedicate a stamp to the incomparable Allen Toussaint,” said Gary Barksdale, chief of the Postal Inspection Service, who spoke at the ceremony. “His profound musical contributions have enriched the world with their soulful melodies and vibrant rhythms.”
Toussaint (1938-2015) is the 48th honoree in the Postal Service’s Black Heritage stamp series.
Joining Barksdale for the ceremony were Quint Davis, Festival Productions chief executive officer; Elvis Costello, singer-songwriter; Irma Thomas, vocalist; and Clarence Toussaint and Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux, Toussaint’s children.
Norman Robinson, a former journalist, was master of ceremonies.
“His music has touched the hearts and homes of so many, and now, through the release of a commemorative U.S. Postal Service stamp, his image will continue to inspire and connect with those same people in a deeply meaningful way,” said Toussaint-LeBeaux.
The stamp features a photograph of Toussaint at the piano, dressed in black, with a black background set off by purplish lighting and his name in red lettering at the lower edge.
Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using a 2007 photograph by Bill Tompkins.
The Allen Toussaint Forever stamp is available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
