Southern Nights (1977) 11/9/20

During the last half of the 20th century, singer/songwriter/producer/mentor Allen Toussaint was one of the great innovators of Jazz, Soul, and Rhythm & Blues music...especially the delta blues coming out of New Orleans. He was personally responsible for hundreds of songs and recordings and was a seminal influence on scores of musicians who benefited and learned from his magic.

Never heard of Allen Toussaint? Perhaps you've heard of some of the songs he was responsible for, like “Mother In Law” by Ernie K. Doe, “Working in the Coal Mine” by Lee Dorsey, “Java” by Al Hirt “Right Place, Wrong Time” by Dr. John, “Lady Marmalade” by LaBelle, and today's Great Song of the '70s:” “Southern Nights” by Glen Campbell.

Allen wrote it and recorded it first, and his lyrics were just dripping with personal memories of his younger days when he would visit his relatives in the backwater areas of the Louisiana bayou. (Click the link below and give it a listen!)

When Glen heard it, it spoke to him as well—as he himself came from the backwoods area of Delight, Arkansas.

In 1977, Glen's recording spoke to a lot of other people who could relate, and the charts proved it: #1 on the Hot 100/Top 40, Adult Contemporary AND Country charts in both the US and Canada! And just for good measure, it was nominated for “Song of the Year” by the Country Music Association.

It turned out to be Glen's last #1 hit on ANY chart, but his hit-making career was HARDLY over.

As for Allen Toussaint, it was just another example of his influence on American music.

“Southern Nights:” A “Great Song of 1977!”

Glen Campbell:

Allen Toussaint: