Dr. John, born Malcolm John Rebennack Jr., was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his unique blend of blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, and rock and roll. He was born on November 20, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and passed away on June 6, 2019.
Dr. John began his music career in the 1950s as a session musician and producer in New Orleans. He gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his persona “Dr. John, the Night Tripper,” which incorporated elements of voodoo mysticism and New Orleans culture.
One of Dr. John’s most famous albums is “Gris-Gris” (1968), which blended psychedelic rock with New Orleans rhythms and gained him a cult following. He continued to release music throughout his career, earning multiple Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Dr. John’s music was characterized by his gravelly voice, intricate piano playing, and colorful stage persona. He was a respected figure in the music industry and is remembered for his contributions to the New Orleans music scene and his unique blend of musical styles.
1. (Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away
“(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away” is a song by Dr. John from his album “Desitively Bonnaroo,” released in 1974. The song features Dr. John’s signature blend of funk, jazz, and rhythm and blues, with lyrics that touch on themes of ambition, greed, and the pursuit of wealth.
“Desitively Bonnaroo” was produced by Allen Toussaint and features a tight, funky sound that reflects the musical styles of New Orleans, where Dr. John was based. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of genres and its social commentary.
“(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away” is a standout track from the album, showcasing Dr. John’s unique musical style and his ability to craft catchy, groove-oriented songs. The song’s message remains relevant today, making it a timeless classic in Dr. John’s discography.
2. Babylon
“Babylon” is a song by Dr. John from his album “City That Care Forgot,” released in 2008. The song features a bluesy, New Orleans-style sound with Dr. John’s gritty vocals and piano playing.
“City That Care Forgot” is a concept album that addresses the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and the subsequent government response. “Babylon” specifically touches on themes of corruption, injustice, and the struggle of the people of New Orleans in the aftermath of the disaster.
The album received critical acclaim for its powerful social commentary and Dr. John’s impassioned performances. “Babylon” is a standout track that showcases Dr. John’s ability to blend music and activism, making it a poignant and relevant song in his body of work.
3. I Walk On Gilded Splinters
“I Walk on Gilded Splinters” is a song by Dr. John, originally released on his 1968 album “Gris-Gris.” The song is known for its psychedelic and voodoo-influenced sound, blending elements of rock, blues, and New Orleans funk.
“I Walk on Gilded Splinters” features hypnotic rhythms, intricate percussion, and Dr. John’s distinctive vocals, which are characterized by their raspy tone and soulful delivery. Lyrically, the song is steeped in imagery and symbolism, drawing inspiration from voodoo rituals and spiritual practices.
The song gained renewed attention when it was covered by numerous artists over the years, including Cher, Humble Pie, and Paul Weller. The Rolling Stones also performed the song live during their 1969 tour, further cementing its status as a classic in Dr. John’s catalog.
“I Walk on Gilded Splinters” remains one of Dr. John’s most iconic and enduring songs, celebrated for its innovative blend of musical styles, evocative lyrics, and captivating atmosphere. It continues to influence musicians across genres and serves as a testament to Dr. John’s unique talent and creativity.
4. Desitively Bonnaroo
“Desitively Bonnaroo” is an album by Dr. John, released in 1974. The title is a play on words, combining “definitely” and “Bonnaroo,” which is a Creole slang word meaning “a good time” or “a joyful noise.” The album features a mix of funk, soul, and New Orleans R&B, with Dr. John’s signature piano playing and gravelly vocals.
“Desitively Bonnaroo” was produced by Allen Toussaint and features a number of notable musicians, including the Meters and the Memphis Horns. The album received positive reviews from critics and is considered one of Dr. John’s best works. It includes tracks like “(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away” and “Quitters Never Win,” which have become fan favorites.
The album’s funky grooves and lively arrangements capture the spirit of New Orleans music, making it a standout in Dr. John’s discography. The term “Bonnaroo” would later be used as the name for the popular music festival held in Manchester, Tennessee, which reflects the joyous and celebratory nature of Dr. John’s music.
5. Such A Night
“Such a Night” is a song originally recorded by the American rhythm and blues artist Dr. John (real name Malcolm John Rebennack Jr.) in 1959. Dr. John’s version of the song was released as a single and became one of his signature tunes.
The song “Such a Night” is characterized by its rollicking rhythm, bluesy piano, and Dr. John’s distinctive gravelly vocals. Lyrically, it describes a memorable evening of romance and revelry, filled with passion and excitement.
Over the years, “Such a Night” has been covered by various artists and has become a classic in the New Orleans R&B repertoire. It has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a timeless and beloved song. Dr. John’s original recording remains the definitive version, capturing the essence of his unique musical style and persona.
6. Right Place Wrong Time
“Right Place, Wrong Time” is a song by the American musician Dr. John, released in 1973 as the lead single from his album “In the Right Place.” The song was written by Dr. John, whose real name is Malcolm John Rebennack Jr.
“Right Place, Wrong Time” is characterized by its funky rhythm, catchy piano riff, and Dr. John’s distinctive vocals, which combine elements of blues, funk, and New Orleans R&B. Lyrically, the song describes a series of misfortunes and mishaps, with the narrator feeling like he’s in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The song became one of Dr. John’s biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning critical acclaim for its infectious groove and playful lyrics. It remains one of Dr. John’s most enduring and popular songs, often cited as a highlight of his extensive catalog.
7. Iko Iko
“Iko Iko” is a traditional New Orleans song that has been covered by various artists over the years. It originated from the Mardi Gras Indian tradition and incorporates elements of Creole and African-American culture.
The song’s lyrics are often nonsensical and include phrases like “Jock-a-mo fee-na-ne” and “Hey now, hey now.” Despite the nonsensical nature of the lyrics, “Iko Iko” is known for its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, often accompanied by handclaps and percussion.
“Iko Iko” has been covered by numerous artists, including Dr. John, The Dixie Cups, and The Belle Stars. It has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, and remains a popular choice for parties and celebrations, particularly in New Orleans and other areas with strong ties to Mardi Gras culture.
8. Same Old Same Old
“Same Old Same Old” is a song by The Civil Wars, an American folk duo consisting of Joy Williams and John Paul White. It is featured on their album “The Civil Wars,” released in 2013.
In “Same Old Same Old,” the duo sings about the monotony and predictability of a relationship that has lost its spark. The lyrics reflect on the routine and familiarity of being stuck in the same patterns, longing for change and excitement. Despite the desire for something new, there’s a recognition that breaking away from the “same old same old” is easier said than done.
Musically, the song features the duo’s signature harmonies over a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, creating an intimate and heartfelt atmosphere. The emotional depth of the lyrics is accentuated by the haunting melodies and evocative vocal delivery.
“Same Old Same Old” showcases The Civil Wars’ ability to craft poignant and relatable songs that resonate with listeners. With its introspective lyrics and soulful performance, the song captures the essence of longing for change and renewal in the midst of routine and familiarity.
9. New Orleans
“New Orleans” is a song by Dr. John from his album “Gumbo,” released in 1972. The song is a tribute to Dr. John’s hometown and features a mix of New Orleans-style rhythm and blues, jazz, and funk.
“Gumbo” is considered one of Dr. John’s finest albums, featuring a collection of covers of classic New Orleans songs along with some original compositions. The album captures the essence of New Orleans music and culture, with Dr. John’s distinctive vocals and piano playing at the forefront.
“New Orleans” is a lively and upbeat track that celebrates the spirit of the city, with lyrics that pay homage to its rich musical heritage and vibrant atmosphere. The song’s infectious groove and catchy melody make it a standout track on the album and a favorite among fans of Dr. John’s music.
10. Season of the Witch
“Season of the Witch” is a song written by Donovan and Shawn Phillips. It was originally released by Donovan in 1966 on his album “Sunshine Superman.” The song has been covered by many artists, including Dr. John.
Dr. John’s version of “Season of the Witch” was included on his 1971 album “The Sun, Moon & Herbs.” Dr. John’s rendition of the song features his unique blend of New Orleans funk and blues, with his distinctive piano playing and gravelly vocals giving the song a dark and mysterious edge.
“Season of the Witch” has become one of Dr. John’s most popular songs and is often considered one of the standout tracks on “The Sun, Moon & Herbs.” The song’s hypnotic groove and haunting melody have made it a favorite among fans of Dr. John’s music and a classic of psychedelic rock.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
