The United States Postal Service (USPS) is set to celebrate the life and legacy of legendary musician Allen Toussaint with the release of the 48th stamp in its Black Heritage series. This special tribute honors the New Orleans icon whose groundbreaking contributions to rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll continue to shape American music. Allen Toussaint (1938-2015) was a prolific pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and producer. From penning classics like “Fortune Teller” and “Southern Nights” to his behind-the-scenes collaborations with iconic artists, Toussaint left an indelible mark on the music world. His influence extended beyond New Orleans, resounding globally and inspiring generations of musicians.
Recognized by President Barack Obama with the National Medal of Arts in 2013, Toussaint’s achievements include inductions within the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1998), the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame (2009), the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2011), and the Blues Hall of Fame (2012). His legacy continues to shine brightly as the New Orleans City Council renamed Robert E. Lee Boulevard after him in 2022. The first-day-of-issue event for the Allen Toussaint Black Heritage stamp is free and open to the public. This celebration is must for music enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
When: Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST.
Where: George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116.
Who: The event will feature Gary Barksdale, Chief Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Quint Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Festival Productions Inc. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/blackheritagestamp.
The stamp, which showcases a stunning photograph of Toussaint captured by Bill Thompkins, is issued as a pane of 20 Forever stamps; these pieces of postal history will always retain the value of current First-Class Mail 1-ounce postage. Allen Toussaint’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unparalleled talent. Whether through his timeless music or this commemorative stamp, his contributions will continue to inspire and remind us of the rich cultural heritage he helped shape.
Meanwhile, the power of music will also be on full display when Choir! Choir! Choir! gathers 4,000 voices for their tribute to Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah.” This event at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre will demonstrate how music’s influence expands exponentially when shared among people. It’s not just about performing; it’s about coming together, uniting voices, and strengthening community bonds through the emotional weight of music.
On the horizon, Cunard, the luxury cruise line, is preparing for exciting musical performances aboard the Queen Victoria featuring renowned artists Jools Holland OBE and Jamie Cullum. These globally celebrated musicians will headline exclusive shows next year, showcasing their talents and providing unique experiences at sea. Holland, the celebrated host of Later with Jools Holland and former Squeeze pianist, will perform two shows during the ship’s eight-night Spain and Italy voyage from Southampton on May 4 to Civitavecchia on May 12. Guests can expect an extraordinary repertoire from his acclaimed career, including many iconic hits.
The May sailing promises to delight both foodies and music lovers alike, featuring port calls to the vibrant cities of Cadiz, Seville, Malaga, and the enchanting island of Majorca. Meanwhile, Jamie Cullum, Britain’s best-selling jazz artist and acclaimed presenter at BBC Radio 2, will join the 2,000-guest Queen as part of her 13-night roundtrip Atlantic Islands voyage, departing from Southampton on April 21. Audience members can look forward to his most beloved hits as well.
Jools Holland OBE expressed his excitement, stating, “I am incredibly excited about performing on Queen Victoria next year, especially as we’ll be sailing around such beautiful parts of the world. Playing on a luxury cruise ship is a new experience for me and I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.” Jamie Cullum shared similar sentiments, saying, “I’m very much looking forward to performing for guests on board Queen Victoria. It’s been many years since I performed on a cruise ship — it’s a time full of great memories.”
Another intriguing collaboration is TESSAN, the leading charging solutions brand, which has announced its partnership with American singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata for their global initiative titled “What’s Your Next Journey?” This campaign aims to encourage exploration and connect people through the stories shared by travelers, inspiring everyone to embrace the unknown.
During her collaboration with TESSAN, Yamagata shared insights on the meaning of connection and how travel influences her music. She mentioned, “Connection to me is about authentic relation with those around you, taking off the mask and realizing we are in this together.” This powerful sentiment highlights the essence of interpersonal relationships and how shared experiences through travel can fuel creativity.
With TESSAN also embracing the philosophy, “The Journey Begins at Home,” they're committed to merging personal experiences with connections through their products. Yamagata's reflections on packing as an art and the importance of having the right travel essentials ring true for many as she emphasizes the significance of authentic living and shared journeys.
Each of these announcements showcases how music transcends boundaries, celebrating collaborations and tributes, and connecting cultures. From commemorative stamps to uplifting performances and remarkable global initiatives, the year 2025 is shaping up to be one rich with musical heritage, exploration, and authentic connections. Allen Toussaint's legacy, the passionate tributes from Choir! Choir! Choir!, and the luxury cruise performances promise an exciting and inspirational musical dialogue throughout the world.