The New Orleans-born musician died on Thursday, according to a message posted on his official Twitter account. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer combined the genres of blues, pop, jazz, boogie-woogie, and rock and roll.
A statement 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 who shared his unique musical journey & requests privacy at this time. Memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.”
His career started in the late 1950s, when he became prominent as a pianist and singer on the New Orleans music scene, before gaining recognition as a solo performer with the release of his album Gris-Gris in 1968. Dr John, who successfully battled h----n addiction, is perhaps best known for his 1973 hit, Right Place, Wrong Time.
He was married twice and told the New York Times he had “a lot” of children.
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