Tuesday Tribute: Dr. John

New Orleans music is one based on deep rooted tradition. Having played a huge part in the spread and popularity of jazz, funk, and zydeco music, New Orleans is one of the music capitals of the world. One of the biggest names and most venerated musicians from the bayou is Mac Rebennack, better known as Dr. John. One of the most recognizable voices in modern music, Dr. John has had an eventful solo career and has been a part of many successful collaborations. Dr. John's 1968 debut album, Gris Gris, is considered one of the all-time greats and sounded very original in an era when psychedelic rock and guitar-gods ruled the airwaves. Sparked by the popularity of the single "Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya," the album was heavily influenced by Creole culture and proved that Dr. John was an experimental composer from the get-go. Although he was rarely in the forefront of American music, he once again achieved notoriety in the 1970's for his work covering popular New Orleans standards such as "Iko Iko" and for funkier, horn-driven originals such as "Right Place Wrong Time." Dr. John gained the respect of many artists in the music world such as The Meters, Allen Toussaint, and The Band, who featured Dr. John in their famous final show, The Last Waltz. Another person whom Dr. John had an influence on was Jim Henson, who fashioned his character Dr. Teeth after Dr. John. Dr. John has continued to record and perform to the present day. Much of his recent work has benefited the victims of Hurricane Katrina and helped to rebuild New Orleans both physically and in character. Dr. John is an incredible musician and personality who embodies the New Orleans spirit, so this week, we send a tribute out to him.

The first video this week is of the Doctor playing "Such a Night." This is the same tune that he plays with the band on The Last Waltz, but this version features some help from Jools Holland and his horn section as well as Eric Clapton. You get a good sense of just how respected he is when Clapton doesn't even step out for a solo.



The next video is pure gold. Etta James sits in with Dr. John for a version of her tune "I'd Rather Go Blind (Blind Girl)." Etta absolutely rips it up on this one and Dr. John doesn't do a bad job making it a duet either.



Here's one of Dr. John doing "Iko Iko" with an impressive line-up that includes Ringo Starr, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Clarence Clemons. Dr. John is sporting some nice Mardi Gras apparel for this tune.



Last up is Dr. John pairing up with Johnny Winter for a take of "Talk To Your Daughter." Both of them step out for solos and they also give a little time for the blues harp player to lay down some licks.



drjohn.org