John dies at 77

Dr. JohnLegendary singer, songwriter and pianist, died at age 77.

John, whose real name is Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack, was known for his influential brand of blues rock. Regarded as his favorite son in his hometown, New Orleans, he won six Grammy Awards and was inducted into the 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

A statement posted on Dr. John's official Twitter page attributed his death to a heart attack.

Originally from the Third Room of New Orleans, Dr. John had his first experience of playing music in high school groups. He dropped out soon after, becoming a regular performer throughout the city, playing everywhere, from music halls to striptease clubs.

Hanging out on the seedy side of New Orleans began to influence the young Dr. John. Drug-related charges brought him to a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas. Upon his release in 1965, he moved to Los Angeles.

Once in Hollywood, Dr. John quickly established himself as a renowned musician. A member of the legendary Demolition team, his list of collaborators presents some of the biggest names in music, including the Stones that roll, Van Morrison, Sonny and Expensive, Aretha Franklin, and Ringo Starr.

Dr. John's career as a solo artist began in 1968. His revolutionary album, Gray Gray, presented its voodoo-funk rock sound to a global audience. A unique personality combined with a colorful sense of fashion, Dr. John's style and distinct voice quickly made him one of the most eccentric voices in music.

He reached his commercial peak with 1973 In the right place. The album, produced by New Orleans filmmaker Allen Toussaint, was the best selling of Dr. John's career, thanks in large part to the success of the single "Right Place Wrong Time".

In recent years, Dr. John's impressive career has been celebrated by a new generation of artists. In 2013, the musician won his sixth Grammy for the album. Locked, produced by Dan Auerbach of Black keys. A year later he appeared on Sonic Highways, the documentary series about HBO music produced and hosted by Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl.

A tribute album 2016 and a concert entitled Dr. John's musical Mojo featured an impressive array of great musicians perform some of the most beloved New Orleans rock songs, including Bruce Springsteen, Mavis Staples and John Fogerty.

Dr. John has also contributed to the world of film and television. His music was featured in Disney's animated film The princess and the Frog as well as the live-action remake 2016 The jungle Book. He provided the theme song at PBS Children's Show Curious George, created the "Love That Chicken" tinkle Popeye's and was the inspiration of the character of the Muppets, Dr. Teeth.

As news of Dr. John's death began to spread, many fellow musicians and former collaborators took advantage of social media to share their condolences.