Real Name – Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack (born November 21, 1940)
Other Stage Names – Dr. John Creaux, or Dr. John, the Night Tripper
He’s one heck of a talented guy, apart from being able to play jazz and blues piano like a God, he is renowned for the Hammond Organ and his quirky keyboard licks he is a singer-songwriter and guitarist.
His musical styles include blues and Jazz laced with a lot of funk and soul, boogie-woogie as well as pop and Rock ‘n Roll.
His brilliant keyboard skills are all the more remarkable considering his tough upbringing in New Orleans and his various addictions.
New Orleans voodoo had a definite influence on his musical style and the development of the Dr John, the Night Tripper persona and his beginnings as a musician which are still very evident in his playing to this day. A biography of Dr John the man is an interesting read.
Dr John is probably most famous for his New Orleans style of piano with lots of riffs, slides and smears.
If you like Dr John’s piano style you almost certainly will like to hear Professor Longhair ( another New Orleans R&B Pianist ) and James Booker ( again from New Orleans Jazz and Blues piano and organ player) sadly both are no longer with us, but they left some terrific playing.
Have a look at the Piano Course Reviews to get you started playing in the style of Dr John.
Dr John – Such A Night on Jools Holland TV Show
Hugh Laurie – Go To The Mardi Gras [Live in Warsaw] Professor Longhair cover
Top rated piano teaching method online to get you started playing piano like the Dr.
