Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Toussaint L'Ouverture McCall was born in Delhi LA on March 26, 1939 to Rev. D. L. McCall and Hattie Garner-McCall. He was the youngest of five children. He developed an appreciation for music watching his oldest sister D'Ella Walters play the piano for his father's church, Seventh Star Baptist Church. Toussaint was seven years old when he started playing for the church. At the age of sixteen, he attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, where he majored in music and pledged Omega Psi Psi Fraternity. After graduation, Toussaint began to develop his music career. In the 1970s, he met his late wife, Mary Agnes, and two children, Tina and Toussaint Jr., were born into this union. From touring on the Chitlin' Circuit at historic clubs such as Cain's Night Club, teaching music at Swayze Elementary School, playing at local churches, and opening Louisa's Supper Club, he had been a part of the music landscape in Monroe, LA for many decades. Toussaint was a staff writer for the Monroe Dispatch newspaper. He wrote on many controversial topics with the understanding that it was hard having friends while working in the newspaper business. He enjoyed covering Bayou Classic football games and events most.

Toussaint's roots in Monroe ran deep. He was a member of the 2015 inaugural Northeast Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Ronn Records pushed Toussaint McCall and the late Patrick Robinson's hit record, "Nothing Takes the Place of You" into the national spotlight. It was #5 on the U.S. R&B chart in 1967. Propelled by the first hit single, the second single, " I'll Do it For You," rose to #26 on the U.S. R&B chart. As Toussaint's song raced up the charts, he found himself at places like the Apollo Theater with Otis Redding, Carl Thomas, and the Barclays while touring across the country. Toussaint made a guest appearance in the movie "Hairspray!"

Moving to Los Angeles, CA, from Louisiana, he taught at Manual Arts High School and Jefferson High School. Toussaint opened his first music school in Carson, CA. He was the music director at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Crenshaw United Methodist Church, and Faith United Methodist Church for over 40 years before he retired. While at Wesley, he recorded a gospel album, "In Times Like These!"

Toussaint L'Ouverture McCall

In 2000, he opened the McCall Institute of Performing Arts in Inglewood, CA. Toussaint worked hard to keep the school going. McCall Institute was hit hard by COVID-19 in 2020, and he tried to make it work with students via Zoom and the phone. Toussaint loved to play tennis and enjoyed a good party. He was past Ranch Cienega Tennis Club President and a board member for many years. He enjoyed participating in the PCC and ATA Western Tournaments. He was the tennis coach at Southwest Community College and USTA/SCTA Team t coordinator in the 1990s. Southwest tennis teams of 3.5 to 4.0 men, women, and seniors often went to nationals under Toussaint's leadership.

Later in life, Toussaint met Phyllis J, who became his life partner. They enjoyed playing tennis, music, and traveling to the Bayou Classics in New Orleans, LA, New York, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and even abroad to Mexico, discovering new places and enjoying family. They worked hard not to miss any family reunions and always enjoyed hosting the family for pre-Thanksgiving dinner parties.

Toussaint went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2023. He leaves behind many family and friends to cherish his memories. God bless composer, singer, pianist, organist, and smooth baritone, Toussaint McCall!