New Orleans musical icon Dr. John has died. His family confirmed he passed away earlier today of a heart attack. Dr. John was 77.
His family offered few other details of his passing, but Dr. John had not made many public appearances since late 2017, when he cancelled a series of concerts. Last year, his publicist informed fans he had been still living in his New Orleans area home.
"The family thanks all whom have shared his unique musical journey, and requests privacy at this time," the statement said.
Dr. John was born Mac Rebennack in 1941, and he got his start playing the clubs of New Orleans at a young age. He went on to play alongside such rock'n'roll heroes as the Rolling Stones, Harry Nilsson, Van Morrison, Frank Zappa and many more. He also appeared in the Band's classic concert film The Last Waltz, playing "Such a Night."
His debut solo album as Dr. John was 1968's Gris-Gris. He went on to release more than 30 albums throughout his career, won multiple Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
In 2012, Dr. John released the Dan Auerbach-produced Locked Down. This was followed by 2014's Louis Armstrong tribute effort Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch, marking his final album.
His family offered few other details of his passing, but Dr. John had not made many public appearances since late 2017, when he cancelled a series of concerts. Last year, his publicist informed fans he had been still living in his New Orleans area home.
"The family thanks all whom have shared his unique musical journey, and requests privacy at this time," the statement said.
Dr. John was born Mac Rebennack in 1941, and he got his start playing the clubs of New Orleans at a young age. He went on to play alongside such rock'n'roll heroes as the Rolling Stones, Harry Nilsson, Van Morrison, Frank Zappa and many more. He also appeared in the Band's classic concert film The Last Waltz, playing "Such a Night."
His debut solo album as Dr. John was 1968's Gris-Gris. He went on to release more than 30 albums throughout his career, won multiple Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
In 2012, Dr. John released the Dan Auerbach-produced Locked Down. This was followed by 2014's Louis Armstrong tribute effort Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch, marking his final album.
