The Prince of New Orleans:
The Life of Allen Toussaint

ABOUT THE BOOK

Allen Toussaint was an American musical treasure, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Award winner, and a recipient of the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama.

Allen, painfully shy, grew up in one of the poorer areas of New Orleans with his siblings and parents. Through his love of family and his visits to extended relatives in rural Louisiana, he discovered music and found his voice.

He went from being a timid boy to becoming a world-renowned pianist, songwriter, and performer.

Book illustrations by Brendon Palmer-Angell. A visual artist living and working in New Orleans. Family photos were provided by Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux and Palmer-Angell brought life to the narrative through his artwork. This book aims to inspire children ages six to nine to see beyond their limitations, discover the beauty and love around them through family, nature, music, or sports and find their unique passions and voices. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alison Toussaint LeBeaux is a New Orleans native, a wife, a mother of two, and the daughter of legendary musician Allen Toussaint. Raised in a home filled with music, creativity, and quiet excellence, Alison had the unique privilege of working closely alongside her father and her brother, Clarence Reginald Toussaint, for much of her adult life. From 1991 until his passing in 2015, she served as her father’s personal assistant, traveling the world with him and witnessing not only his extraordinary talent, but his humility, discipline, and deep love for his craft.

She also shared special moments on stage with him, including appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival—experiences that remain close to her heart and continue to shape her connection to music and culture.

Today, Alison is carrying that legacy forward in a deeply personal way through her children’s book, inspired by her father’s early life. More than a tribute, the book is a reflection of the lessons she witnessed firsthand—about perseverance, finding beauty in the world around you, and discovering your own unique voice. She hopes to reach young readers, especially those who may not yet see their own potential, and remind them that something meaningful can grow from finding and nurturing their passion.

I wanted to tell a story that felt true to who he was, but also meaningful for children—especially those who may not yet see what’s possible for themselves. My father’s journey wasn’t just about music. It was about finding your voice, staying grounded, and believing in something bigger than where you start.

As a mother, that message means everything to me and is one I have tried to instill in my own children. I wrote this book not only to honor my father’s legacy, but to pass along those lessons to the next generation in a way that feels real, hopeful, and full of heart.
~ Alison

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Details

Author: Alison Toussain

Title: The Prince of New Orleans: The Life of Allen Toussaint

Publication Date: April 24, 2025

Available in: Hardcover

Genre: Children’s biography/picture book

ISBN: 979-8350744316

Publisher: Alison Toussaint-LeBeaux