Yesterday, the news came down that legendary New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint had passed away at the age of 77 following a show in Spain. Tributes poured in from all corners of the world and now Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Ben Jaffe has shared a lengthy statement via the band’s Facebook page.

Jaffe recounts tails of seeing Toussaint as a young kid “changed me forever.” Jaffe added, “He was the link from our past to the future of New Orleans Music.”

Read the full statement below.

Back in the 70’s and into the 80’s, Jazz Fest would have night concerts on the Riverboat President. When I was 8 or 9, my dad would take me down to the shows. Way past my bedtime!! I was the only one there under 21. But I was Jaffe’s kid so it was ok. I got to see everyone on the President Ernie K-Doe, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Oliver Morgan, Jessie Hill….. and Allen Toussaint. Watching Allen changed me forever. I was glued to the stage. That’s saying a lot for a 9 year old. He was the link from our past to the future of New Orleans Music. The PHJB recorded at Allen’s studio, Sea Saint starting back in 1976…. I would tag along and hover over Allen’s son, Reggie’s shoulder, watching every time he would turn a knob or adjust a microphone. About this time last year, we joined Mr. Toussaint on tour. We played over 40 concerts from coast to coast. There was a moment every night Mr. Toussaint would remain on stage, all by himself, and perform and sing and play and tell stories. Every night I was glued to the stage. I was 9’years old all over again!!! He touched me in ways he’ll never know. Mr. Toussaint was and will continue to be an inspiration….. He never stopped searching and learning. He was curios. Always asking questions. He would smile like a child when he discovered something new. A new song, a new band, a new chord change, a new arrangement, a new voicing. Thank you for the great music and amazing memories. Your legacy will live on through all of us…