One of New Orleans most famed living musicians, Dr. John's career has spanned a broad range of styles and has included collaborations, work in film and television and a notorious stage show. However, no matter what he dabbles in, Dr. John's roots in Louisiana's bayou music are always evident. Initially beginning his forays into music in the 1950s as a studio musician guitarist, his career was halted after a gunshot injured his ring-finger while he tried to defend fellow musician Ronnie Barron. Dr. John was forced to give up serious guitar, but began playing the bass and eventually the piano. By the late 1960s, Dr. John, who assumed his stage name based on a legendary voodoo doctor, had begun creating solo work that fell into the New Orleans funk genre and involved a voodoo/Mardi Gras styled stage show. He quickly gained a cult following and started working with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Band and Mick Jagger. Dr. John continues to release new material and tour today, and in 2011 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The legendary musician passed away due to a heart attack in June, 2019.
