The New Orleans native was an icon of the American music scene
Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the music world following the death of legendary musician Dr. John.
The New Orleans-born musician was renowned for his eclectic style, incorporating blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, rock, funk and more.
Malcolm John 'Mac' Rebennack Jr. began life as a professional musician at the tender age of 13, and adopted the 'Dr. John' persona in tribute to a Haitian voodoo healer who lived in New Orleans. Elements of voodoo were often incorporated into his extravagant live shows in the 1960s. He struggled with addiction for much of his early life, but overcame his heroin addiction in the late 1980s and had been sober since.
His family released a statement revealing that he died of a heart attack yesterday (June 6th).
— Dr. John (@akadrjohn) June 6, 2019
His most recent album was 2014's 'Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch'.
Over the years, he worked with countless musicians. Many of them have been paying tribute to him on social media, as well as a multitude of his celebrity fans. Others who had worked with him, including David Simon, writer/creator of TV show Treme, also shared their memories.
See below for a selection:
Dr. John's work captured my imagination as teen when I was still finding my voice. I used to cover his music with a group of like minded players, and it continues to bring me ridiculous amounts of joy. Very sad to hear this, very grateful also. RIP https://t.co/LBHjNAoLvb
— Hozier (@Hozier) June 6, 2019
Oh no. Bye Dr John. And thanks so much for all the hoodoo boogaloo pic.twitter.com/Evz1RWnpPB
— Dawn French 💙🔴🏳️🌈🇺🇦 (@Dawn_French) June 7, 2019
God bless Dr. John peace and love to all his family I love the doctor peace and love 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵☯️☮️ pic.twitter.com/ljFWmMp9V9
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) June 6, 2019
1) Others longer to New Orleans will have more essential memories, but I can desitively muster one worthy tale of the legendary Dr. John from having had the opportunity to write some dialogue for him on an HBO drama some years back. And to be clear....
— David Simon (@AoDespair) June 7, 2019
Mac “Dr John” Rebennack, a true friend and fellow musical traveler died today. The Allman Brothers Band family express their sincere sadness in his passing. Mac played many times with the Brothers. Walk on Gilded Splinters our Old Friend, we will all meet up at The Right Place. pic.twitter.com/1EXDzQydlr
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) June 7, 2019
There was no other performer like Dr. John, and there never will be. Tonight my heart is in New Orleans.
— The Ellen Show (@EllenDeGeneres) June 7, 2019
RIP Mac ‘Dr. John’ Rebennack, The Night Tripper. Truly one of the greats. #SwampFunk #GrisGrisGumboYaYa
— marc maron (@marcmaron) June 7, 2019
Rest in funky peace #DrJohn, you were one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/7ZT0jMJMbp
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) June 7, 2019
So sorry to hear about the loss of Dr. John. We had the pleasure of playing with him a few times. He played a huge part in introducing New Orleans music to the rest of the world. His unique sound and talent will continue to influence for generations to come!! He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/lARtTKUsbD
— The Doobie Brothers (@TheDoobieBros) June 7, 2019
R.I.P. to the Legendary Mac Rebennack, Dr. John.
One of My heroes Musically, and an incredibly generous and kind human being Personally.
—Mike Bordin
Faith No More— Faith No More (@FaithNoMore) June 7, 2019
Rest in Peace Dr. John pic.twitter.com/2FqY5F1lHW
— anton newcombe (@antonnewcombe) June 6, 2019
RIP Mac Rebennack, Dr John
w DH 2015
Pic @chrissteinplays pic.twitter.com/mmatLJciTs— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) June 6, 2019
It’s been a terrible week for music fans—sad to hear of the passing of Mac Rebennack, of course known as Dr. John. This just sucks. I was lucky enough to introduce him once, and hang out a bit backstage. His presence was strong, and will be missed. #DrJohn
— Sweet Daddy Ghoul 🧛🦇🎃👻✌️🇺🇦 🌸⚾️🇨🇦 (@m_millsey) June 6, 2019
New Orleans just lost a giant. Second one, after the recent passing of Leah Chase. RIP Mac Rebennack, AKA Dr. John. For a great read, check out his autobiography some time. And listen to his music any time.
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) June 6, 2019
RIP Dr. John. I will never forget the times we filmed that cultural document called @HBOTreme You were a cat who always kept it swinging pic.twitter.com/v0KQfIZ1hz
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) June 7, 2019