Malcolm John Rebennack Jr., better known by his stage name, Dr. John, passed away on June 6 of a heart attack. The singer-songwriter was 77 years old.
Via NPR
- Multi talented musician Dr. John has passed away at the age of 77 after suffering from a heart attack.
- A post on his Facebook page reads:
- “Towards the break of day on June 6, 2019, iconic music legend Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., professionally known as Dr. John, passed away of a heart attack. As a Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee, six time Grammy winner, songwriter, composer, producer, and performer, he created a unique blend of music which carried his home town, New Orleans, at its' heart, as it was always in his heart. The family thanks all whom have shared his unique musical journey, and requests privacy at this time. Memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.”
- Disney fans will recognize Dr. John as the singer of “Down in New Orleans” from the animated film, The Princess and the Frog.
- Throughout his career, Dr. John would be featured in several Disney movies singing both Disney’s and his own original songs including:
- “Cruella De Vil” for the live-action 101 Dalmatians
- “The Bare Necessities” for the live-action The Jungle Book
- "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" in The Mighty Ducks.
- "Let's Make a Better World" in Holes.
- He also appeared on soundtracks for films in the Miramax library including:
- "More Than You Know" from The Night We Never Met
- The theme song for Flirting with Disaster
- "Right Place, Wrong Time" from Scream 2
- "Lost in You" from They
- NPR notes that “it’s largely agreed-upon that [he] served as the inspiration for the groovy Dr. Teeth, leader of the Muppets' Electric Mayhem band.”
- As mentioned above, Dr. John was a Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductee, earning his spot in 2011. He was also nominated for 15 Grammy awards over the span of his career, winning 6.