Walk on Guilded Splinters: Dr. John Tour

Malcolm Rebennack (1941 – 2019), better known as Dr. John, had a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career rooted in his experiences in the streets, nightclubs, and recording studios of his native New Orleans.

Rebennack attended Jesuit High School, where he won over students and antagonized priests with his rock and roll band at talent contests. While still in his teens he became a session musician, writer, arranger, producer, and A&R man, including a stint with Specialty Records. He went on to be a fixture at Cosimo Recording Studios, playing on countless classic R&B records. After spending all day in the studio, he gigged in local nightclubs including Poodle’s Patio on Bourbon Street.

After Rebennack adopted the persona of Dr. John in 1967, he became famous nationally but stayed connected to the scene in New Orleans, recording timeless albums with Allen Toussaint at his Sea-Saint Studio. He was one of the city’s best-loved ambassadors, inspiring a two-story mural by the artist MTO.