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Dr. John, the famous singer and pianist of Louisiana who mixed musical influence in black and white, died, announced his family Thursday. He was 77 years old.
A statement from his family, published by his journalist, announced that Dr. John – born Mac Rebennack – had died of a heart attack Thursday.
"The family thanks everyone who has shared their unique musical journey and is asking for privacy protection at the moment," the statement said.
Rebennack had not been seen in public since the end of 2017 after canceling several performances.
Dr. John performing at the New Orleans Jazz & amp; 2017 Heritage Festival. (Erika Goldring / Getty Images, File)
Rebennack, an icon from New Orleans, has won six Grammy Awards. He debuted in the 1950s while he was writing and playing guitar for Professor Longhair, Art Neville, Joe Tex, Frankie Ford and Allen Toussaint, according to his website.
After dropping out of high school, he went to music full time and was involved in minor offenses and drugs. He played in everything from strip clubs to truck stops and auditoriums. He blamed New Orleans prosecutor Jim Garrison, the main character of Oliver Stone's movie, "JFK," for bringing him out of his beloved city. Garrison had a relentless approach to crime and frequently attacked prostitutes, bars and night-time venues.
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After serving a sentence in a federal prison, he created his personality, Dr. John, inspired by Marie Laveau, a voodoo queen.
Rebennack also performs with Sonny and Cher, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin and Rolling Stones' Exile On Main St.. At the beginning of his solo career, he launched his character, Dr. John The Nite Tripper. His 1968 album "Gris-Gris" exposed listeners to his sinister implications of the magic of another world.
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He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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