Dr. John, born Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. on November 20, 1941, and passed away on June 6, 2019, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist. He was known for his unique blend of blues, jazz, funk, and rock music, as well as his colorful stage persona and charismatic performances.
Dr. John was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was exposed to the city’s rich musical heritage from a young age. He began his music career as a session musician and producer in the 1950s and 1960s, working with artists such as Professor Longhair, Irma Thomas, and Allen Toussaint.
In the late 1960s, Dr. John adopted the persona of “Dr. John, the Night Tripper,” inspired by New Orleans voodoo culture and folklore. He released his debut album under this persona, “Gris-Gris,” in 1968, which showcased his eclectic musical style and theatrical stage presence.
Throughout his career, Dr. John released over 30 albums and received multiple Grammy Awards for his contributions to music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 and received numerous other honors and accolades for his influential work.
Dr. John’s music continues to be celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and celebration of New Orleans culture. His distinctive voice, virtuosic piano playing, and infectious grooves left an indelible mark on the world of music, and he remains a beloved figure in the history of American popular music.
1. (Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away
“(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away” is a song by Dr. John, featured on his 1974 album “Desitively Bonnaroo.” The album was produced by Allen Toussaint and marked a return to Dr. John’s New Orleans funk roots after experimenting with different musical styles in previous albums.
“(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away” is characterized by its infectious groove, funky rhythm, and Dr. John’s distinctive vocals and piano playing. The song’s lyrics reflect on the desire for wealth and success, with Dr. John singing about the temptations and pitfalls of chasing material riches.
The album “Desitively Bonnaroo” received critical acclaim for its energetic and danceable funk sound, with “(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away” standing out as one of its standout tracks. The song’s upbeat vibe and catchy melody make it a favorite among fans of Dr. John and New Orleans funk music.
Dr. John’s ability to blend elements of blues, jazz, funk, and R&B with his own unique style and personality contributed to his lasting influence on the music world. “(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away” remains a classic example of his talent and creativity as a musician and songwriter.
2. Babylon
“Babylon” is a song by Dr. John, the stage name of the American musician and singer-songwriter Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. It was released on his album “Babylon,” which came out in 1969. Dr. John was known for his unique blend of blues, jazz, funk, and rock music, often incorporating elements of New Orleans culture into his sound.
The song “Babylon” features Dr. John’s signature style, with its soulful vocals, gritty instrumentation, and infectious groove. Lyrically, the song explores themes of decadence, temptation, and spiritual longing, drawing on imagery associated with the biblical city of Babylon as a metaphor for sin and corruption.
“Babylon” is often cited as one of Dr. John’s standout tracks, showcasing his distinctive voice and musical versatility. It captures the essence of his early work and remains a fan favorite among his extensive discography.
3. I Walk On Gilded Splinters
“I Walk On Gilded Splinters” is a song by Dr. John, originally released on his album “Gris-Gris” in 1968. Dr. John, also known as Mac Rebennack, was a key figure in New Orleans music, known for his fusion of blues, jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock.
“I Walk On Gilded Splinters” is a hypnotic and eerie track that showcases Dr. John’s unique musical style and his ability to create atmospheric and mystical soundscapes. The song features a driving rhythm, haunting vocals, and unconventional instrumentation, including congas, tambourines, and eerie background vocals.
Lyrically, the song is steeped in voodoo imagery and mysticism, with references to rituals, spells, and supernatural elements. The lyrics evoke a sense of darkness and mystery, inviting listeners into a world of magic and intrigue.
“I Walk On Gilded Splinters” has become one of Dr. John’s most iconic and enduring songs, celebrated for its innovative sound and evocative lyrics. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a standout track in Dr. John’s illustrious career.
4. Desitively Bonnaroo
“Desitively Bonnaroo” is the fifth studio album by Dr. John, released in 1974. The album was produced by Allen Toussaint and marked a return to Dr. John’s New Orleans funk roots after exploring different musical styles in his previous albums.
The title “Desitively Bonnaroo” is a blend of the words “definitely” and “bonnaroo,” with “bonnaroo” being a Creole slang term meaning “a good time” or “a joyful noise.” The album features a mix of funk, R&B, and soul music, with Dr. John’s signature gravelly vocals and piano playing at the forefront.
One of the standout tracks from the album is “(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away,” which reflects on the desire for wealth and success in society. The song’s infectious groove and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Dr. John’s live performances.
“Desitively Bonnaroo” received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of Dr. John’s finest albums. Its energetic and danceable funk sound, coupled with Dr. John’s charismatic stage presence, helped to solidify his reputation as one of the foremost figures in New Orleans music.
5. Such A Night
“Such a Night” is a song written and originally recorded by the American rhythm and blues artist Dr. John. It was released as a single in 1962 and later included on his 1973 album “In the Right Place.”
The song is characterized by its infectious rhythm, lively piano playing, and Dr. John’s distinctive vocals. Lyrically, “Such a Night” describes a memorable and magical evening spent with a romantic partner, filled with excitement and passion.
Over the years, “Such a Night” has become one of Dr. John’s most beloved and enduring songs, and it remains a staple of his live performances. It has also been covered by various artists and featured in films and television shows, solidifying its status as a classic of New Orleans rhythm and blues.
6. Right Place Wrong Time
“Right Place Wrong Time” is a song by Dr. John, released in 1973 as the lead single from his album “In the Right Place.” The song was written by Dr. John (credited under his real name, Mac Rebennack) and produced by Allen Toussaint.
“Right Place Wrong Time” is characterized by its infectious groove, funky rhythm, and Dr. John’s distinctive vocals and piano playing. The song’s lyrics reflect on the twists and turns of fate, with Dr. John singing about being in the right place at the wrong time and vice versa. Despite life’s ups and downs, the narrator remains optimistic and determined to make the best of any situation.
The song’s catchy chorus and memorable melody helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of funk, R&B, and New Orleans rhythm and blues.
“Right Place Wrong Time” remains one of Dr. John’s most popular and enduring songs, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its timeless appeal and universal message have made it a favorite among fans of Dr. John and funk music alike.
7. Iko Iko
“Iko Iko” is a traditional New Orleans song that has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. The song’s origins can be traced back to the Mardi Gras Indian tradition of New Orleans, where it was originally sung by African-American tribes during their street parades.
The song features a catchy melody, call-and-response vocals, and upbeat percussion, often incorporating elements of rhythm and blues, funk, and jazz. The lyrics of “Iko Iko” are playful and nonsensical, with variations depending on the version, but typically center around encounters between different Mardi Gras Indian tribes.
“Iko Iko” gained widespread popularity in the 1960s when it was recorded by various artists, including Sugar Boy and His Cane Cutters, The Dixie Cups, and Dr. John. The Dixie Cups’ version, released in 1965, became the most well-known and commercially successful rendition of the song, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Iko Iko” has since become a beloved and enduring classic, embraced by audiences around the world for its infectious rhythm and festive spirit. It continues to be performed by musicians in various genres and remains closely associated with the vibrant culture and musical traditions of New Orleans.
8. Same Old Same Old
“Same Old Same Old” is a song by Dr. John, featured on his 1978 album “City Lights.” The album marked a departure from Dr. John’s funk and R&B roots, instead exploring a more jazz-oriented sound.
“Same Old Same Old” is characterized by its smooth jazz groove, mellow instrumentation, and Dr. John’s soulful vocals and piano playing. The song’s lyrics reflect on the monotony and routine of everyday life, with Dr. John singing about feeling stuck in a rut and longing for change.
While “Same Old Same Old” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Dr. John’s earlier hits, it remains a standout track on the “City Lights” album. The song’s laid-back vibe and introspective lyrics showcase Dr. John’s versatility as a musician and songwriter, demonstrating his ability to excel in a variety of musical styles.
9. New Orleans
“New Orleans” can refer to several things, but in the context of music, it often refers to the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, which is renowned for its rich musical heritage.
New Orleans is widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of jazz, and its music scene has had a profound influence on numerous genres, including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and funk. The city’s unique cultural melting pot, which includes African, European, and Caribbean influences, has contributed to the development of its distinct musical styles.
Some of the iconic musicians associated with New Orleans include Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, and the Neville Brothers, among many others. The city is also known for its vibrant live music scene, with numerous jazz clubs, blues bars, and music festivals showcasing the talents of local musicians.
New Orleans music is characterized by its infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and improvisational spirit. Whether it’s the lively brass bands marching through the streets during Mardi Gras or the sultry sounds of jazz wafting from the clubs on Frenchmen Street, the music of New Orleans is an integral part of the city’s cultural identity and continues to inspire artists and music lovers around the world.
10. Season of the Witch
“Season of the Witch” is a song written by Donovan, the Scottish singer-songwriter, and it was released in 1966 on his album “Sunshine Superman.” The song is characterized by its psychedelic rock sound and mystical lyrics, which evoke a sense of mystery and transformation.
“Season of the Witch” features a hypnotic rhythm, driven by electric guitar and bass, along with Donovan’s ethereal vocals. The lyrics describe a journey through a surreal landscape, with references to witches, magic, and the changing of the seasons. The song’s evocative imagery and cryptic storytelling contribute to its enduring appeal.
“Season of the Witch” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including notable versions by artists such as Vanilla Fudge, Al Kooper, and Joan Jett. It has also been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic of psychedelic rock music.