Voodoo Music Legend Dr. John Passes

Dr. John (credit: Shutterstock)

Colorful NEW ORLEANS singer-pianist DR. JOHN, died earlier today (6/7) of a heart attack at the age of 77. The family send out the following statement through social media: "Towards the break of day JUNE 6, iconic music legend MALCOLM JOHN REBENNACK, JR., known as DR. JOHN, passed away of a heart attack. The family thanks all whom shared his unique musical journey & requests privacy at this time. Memorial arrangements will be announced in due course."

REBENNACK was a veteran session musician in both NEW ORLEANS and LOS ANGELES when he embarked on a solo career in the late ‘60s, adopting the voodoo-inspired persona of "the Night Tripper." But his national breakthrough came when he worked with THE METERS and ALLEN TOUSSAINT on a couple of albums in the '70s, one that featured his biggest hit single, "In The Right Place."

He would later dabble in other musical styles, picking up a GRAMMY doing the traditional pop chestnut, "Makin' Whoopie," with RICKIE LEE JONES. He also made a foray into jazz, but he was most at home creating his unique mix of CRESENT CITY R&B and funk. In all, he would earn six GRAMMYS.

He also returned to his sideman roots, playing with the likes of B.B. KING, VAN MORRISON, RINGO STARR, GREGG ALLMAN, HARRY CONNICK, JR.and LEVON HELM.

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