New Orleans Blues Legend Dr John dies at 77 - Noise11.com
Dr John, Deni Bluesfest on Saturday 19 April 2014

Dr John, Deni Bluesfest. Photo by Ros O'Gorman

New Orleans Blues Legend Dr John dies at 77

by Paul Cashmere on June 7, 2019

in News

Grammy-winning New Orleans blues legend has died of a heart attack at age 77.

Dr John was born Malcolm John Rebennack in New Orleans in 1941. His career earned him six Grammy Awards leading to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by John Legend.

In 2013 Dr John became a real doctor when he was awarded a doctorate of fine arts by Tulane University.

At 13 Dr John met Professor Longhair and began working as a professional musician. By 16 he was working as a producer at Ace Records.

By the early 70s, Dr John became a major influence on Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton who would take part in his sessions.

In 1973 he released his now iconic ‘In The Right Place’, produced by Allen Toussaint and backed by The Meters.

A statement at his website reads:

“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.”

Follow Noise11 on Twitter for news as it happens

For news as it happens follow Noise11 on Facebook

Noise11.com

Listen to the Noise11 Music News channel now at iHeartRadio

Related Posts

James Taylor at MCA Melbourne 16 April 2024 photo by Winston Robinson
James Taylor Farewells Australia With Final Tour (Melbourne Review)

I could go to a James Taylor show just for the stories. The man is a part of music history and is still around to tell the tales of how it all began. Like, for instance, being the first artist signed to Apple Records. James “auditioned” for Apple with his song ‘Something In The Way She Moves’. "Paul went away and started the label and George went away and wrote the song”, he said.

2 days ago
The Beatles Let It Be movie
The Beatles Restore Original ‘Let It Be’ Movie for Disney+ … Confirmed

As teased yesterday, The Beatles original 1970 Michael Lindsay-Hogg 'Let It Be' movie has been restored by Peter Jackson and will stream on Disney+ from May 8, 2024.

2 days ago
Let It Be movie The Beatles
The Beatles Tease Upcoming Announcement

There is more movement in The Beatles camp with a cryptic tease added to The Beatles official website over the past few hours.

3 days ago
Marley Brothers
Marley Brothers To Tour in The Family Name

The Marley Brothers have announced a tour to honour their father’s legacy.

3 days ago
Richard Clapton, Photo Ros O'Gorman
Richard Clapton Digs Into The Back Catalogue To Perform Rarities

When Richard Clapton play a Festival we get the concentrated Best of show. When he performs his own shows we get the deeper dive into a remarkable 50+ year career.

4 days ago
Abba
Benny From ABBA Performs ‘Waterloo’ for Pianos in Europe

Benny from ABBA performed a piano only version of the ABBA classic ‘Waterloo’ on a piano in Stockholm, synched to pianos in London, Berlin and Warsaw.

6 days ago
James Hetfield of Metallica at Powertrip photo by Richard Gilkerson
Metallica Perform Elton John’s Funeral For A Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding’ At Gershwin Prize Night

Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin are the recipients of the Gershwin Prize for 2024 and Metallica came out literally to sing their praises.

6 days ago