Dr. John
Biography
Dr. John, the stage name of Malcolm John Rebennack Jr., was an American pianist, singer and songwriter from New Orleans whose music drew on blues, jazz, R&B, soul and funk. He began performing in clubs as a teenager and worked as a producer for Ace Records before becoming a busy Los Angeles session player. In the late 1960s he created the Dr. John, the Night Tripper persona and released the voodoo-influenced album Gris-Gris. His 1972 set Dr. John's Gumbo and the 1973 single Right Place, Wrong Time, a top ten hit, made him a leading voice of New Orleans funk. He performed Such a Night in the concert film The Last Waltz (1978). Over his career he won six Grammy Awards and was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
77years old at death
- Born New Orleans
- Died New Orleans
- Star sign: ScorpioThe sign runs October 23 to November 21
- Malcolm John Rebennack (birth name)Also credited as Mac Rebennack, Mac Rebennack - Dr. John, Dr. John & the Nighttripper, The Nighttripper and Dr. John Creaux
Movie Career
- Films
- 4
- Career span
- 40 years1978 to 2018
Every film, newest first
- 2018America's Musical JourneyIMDb rating 7.6
- 1980Pray TVIMDb rating 5.1
- 1978Always for PleasureIMDb rating 7.4
- 1978The Last WaltzIMDb rating 8.1
Genres
Photos
Share
Did you know?!
A change of course
Dr. John was hired as a producer at Ace Records at age 16 by Johnny Vincent, gaining experience with artists such as James Booker, Earl King and Jimmy Clanton.
About the name
The original plan had Barron fronting the act as Dr. John, with Rebennack working behind the scenes as writer, musician and producer. Barron dropped out, so Rebennack assumed the role and identity himself.
First role
Dr. John met Professor Longhair at about age 13, was impressed by his flamboyant attire and style, began performing with him and started his life as a professional musician.
Behind the camera
For the 1982 film adaptation of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row, Dr. John composed and performed the score. His documentary work includes Yeah You Rite! and American Tongues.
About the name
Howard Smith asked him in 1970 where the name "Dr. John the Night Tripper" came from. He answered that he had been Professor Bizarre, and that people had called him "Bishop," "Governor" and "Doctor."
Dr. John movies on Netflix
Worked with
Dr. John shares two films with Irma Thomas, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Irma Thomas's page
Morgan Freeman's page
Dabney Coleman's page
Ringo Starr's page
Newell Alexander's page
Lewis Arquette's page
All films by Martin Scorsese
All films by Les Blank
Rick FriedbergDirector, 1 film, 1980
All films by Rick Friedberg
Awards
Five awards and honors from 2011 to 2013, one of them major.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | |||
| Best Blues Album | Won | ||
| Other honors | |||
| 2013 | Americana Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance | Won | |
| 2011 | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | Won | |
| Blues Music Award | Won | ||
| MOJO Awards | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.