"Dave Bartholomew"
This is a portrait of Dave Bartholomew given to him at a party in New Orleans, made possible by Allen Toussaint to celebrate his career.
In the 1950s and '60s, Bartholomew produced and co-wrote most of Fats Domino's hits, making theirs the most fruitful creative partnership in New Orleans music history. Bartholomew largely shaped the New Orleans big beat, part of the alchemy that rendered rock 'n' roll out of rhythm & blues.
Toussaint modeled his own fertile career as a songwriter and producer on Bartholomew's. But despite Bartholomew's induction in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters' Hall of Fame, Toussaint believes he has not received his due.
So on Sunday night, Toussaint threw a private party in Bartholomew's honor. He booked the swanky Blue Room of the Roosevelt Hotel for four hours and invited 160 guests to eat, drink and celebrate Bartholomew's legacy.
Commemorative candles flickered on table tops amidst fresh-cut sugarcane. Testimonials were spoken, gifts bestowed. A crack band and A-list bandleaders lovingly recreated Bartholomew's music as the 89-year-old guest of honor sat, surrounded by friends and family, at a table just off the dance floor.
The party's timing was appropriate. Sixty years ago, in December 1949, Bartholomew produced his first 2 million-selling singles: "3 x 7 = 21," by Jewel King, and "The Fat Man," Domino's first release.
A record's producer is comparable to a movie's director, shaping the sound of a recording by coaching performers and tinkering with arrangements. Bartholomew's role was even greater, as he brought to bear a single-minded determination and insistence on excellence and professionalism.