A few minutes ago the heartbreaking news were shared on the funk legend’s official Facebook Page: ‘Towards the break of day on June 6, 2019, iconic music legend Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., professionally known as Dr. John, passed away of a heart attack. As a Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee, six time Grammy winner, songwriter, composer, producer, and performer, he created a unique blend of music which carried his home town, New Orleans, at its’ heart, as it was always in his heart. The family thanks all whom have shared his unique musical journey, and requests privacy at this time. Memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.‘
Dr. John (born Malcolm John Rebennack) was among the most iconic music figures emerging from New Orleans in the 1950s and collaborated with numerous artists such as The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Sonny & Cher, Frank Zappa, won 6 Grammy Awards and was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. His debut solo album was ‘Gris-Gris‘ (1968), a pure psychedelic masterpiece that was mostly recognized years after. With 1992’s ‘Goin’ Back to New Orleans‘ and especially ‘Litanie des Saints‘, Dr. John managed to pass, briefly, into more mainstream audiences, and gained massive air-play.
One of the greatest musicians is gone. A brave one who played almost everything. A magnetising & influential artist in the “neighbourhood of Saints”…
Christos Doukakis