The term inimitable is often used to describe musicians - and not always accurately.
Dr. John, however, defined inimitable.
The flamboyant New Orleans piano legend died Thursday at the age of 77.
According to an announcement on Dr. John's social media pages, he passed away of a heart attack "towards the break of day."
Dr. John, born Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. in New Orleans, won six Grammy Awards in his 50-year career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
In addition to bringing a dose of N'Awlins soul to the masses with songs that traversed blues, rock and jazz such as "Right Place, Wrong Time," "Such a Night" and his version of "Iko Iko," Dr. John memorably inspired the groovy Muppet, Dr. Teeth.
Dr. John's last performance in Atlanta was in January 2014, when he played "Let This Be a Lesson To Ya" at the Gregg Allman tribute concert at the Fox Theatre dubbed, "All My Friends." Prior to that, Dr. John and his Nite Trippers performed in 2013 at the Variety Playhouse.
An assortment of celebrities, from Louisiana native Ellen DeGeneres to Ringo Starr (Dr. John was a member of a couple All Starr Band lineups, including the inaugural tour in 1989), took to social media to express their condolences.
Mac “Dr John” Rebennack, a true friend and fellow musical traveler died today. The Allman Brothers Band family express their sincere sadness in his passing. Mac played many times with the Brothers. Walk on Gilded Splinters our Old Friend, we will all meet up at The Right Place. pic.twitter.com/1EXDzQydlr
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) June 7, 2019
Rest in funky peace #DrJohn, you were one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/7ZT0jMJMbp
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) June 7, 2019
It’s been a terrible week for music fans—sad to hear of the passing of Mac Rebennack, of course known as Dr. John. This just sucks. I was lucky enough to introduce him once, and hang out a bit backstage. His presence was strong, and will be missed. #DrJohn
— Sweet Daddy Cool ✌️🇺🇦 ⛄️🏈🇨🇦 (@m_millsey) June 6, 2019
Man this really hurts ... One of the greatest of all time and a real genius and gentleman. Rest In Peace Mac Rebbenack Jr better known as Dr John. pic.twitter.com/5UZrGPopba
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) June 6, 2019
God bless Dr. John peace and love to all his family I love the doctor peace and love 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵☯️☮️ pic.twitter.com/ljFWmMp9V9
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) June 6, 2019
Dr. John is an icon, a truly unique figure in 20th century music, and one of the greatest ever to come out of America’s greatest musical city. We’ll always be grateful for the time we spent together and the music we shared. Farewell Mac! https://t.co/t13xNiq9Mi
— Tedeschi Trucks Band (@DerekAndSusan) June 6, 2019
RIP Mac Rebennack, Dr John
— Debbie Harry/BLONDIE (@BlondieOfficial) June 6, 2019
w DH 2015
Pic @chrissteinplays pic.twitter.com/mmatLJciTs
Rest in Peace Dr John. Pictured here with The Meters playing at @Tipitinas. Photo by Michael P Smith. pic.twitter.com/kCoNEaEqYs
— Galactic (@GalacticFunk) June 7, 2019
Dr. John's work captured my imagination as teen when I was still finding my voice. I used to cover his music with a group of like minded players, and it continues to bring me ridiculous amounts of joy. Very sad to hear this, very grateful also. RIP https://t.co/LBHjNAoLvb
— Hozier (@Hozier) June 6, 2019
There was no other performer like Dr. John, and there never will be. Tonight my heart is in New Orleans.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) June 7, 2019
My "In memory of Dr. John: Spotify playlist: https://t.co/J6GM4swGTL
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) June 6, 2019
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