Grammy-winning musician Dr John dies at 77

Grammy-winning American singer Dr John has died at the age of 77 after suffering a heart attack.

The New Orleans-born musician died on Thursday, according to a message posted on his official Twitter account.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer combined the genres of blues, pop, jazz, boogie woogie and rock and roll.

A statement said: “Towards the break of day June 6, iconic music legend Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr, known as Dr John, passed away of a heart attack.”

The musician “created a unique blend of music which carried his hometown, New Orleans, at its heart, as it was always in his heart,” it continued.

“The family thanks all whom shared his unique musical journey & requests privacy at this time. Memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.”

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr also tweeted a picture, along with the message: “God bless Dr John, peace and love to all his family. I love the doctor, peace and love.”

Dr John’s career started in the late 1950s, when he became prominent as a pianist and singer on the New Orleans music scene.

Born Malcolm John Rebennack in New Orleans, his love of music was fostered by his father, who ran an appliance store that also sold records.

Despite being kicked out of the church choir, he pursued his love of music, attending local clubs and working at a studio in town during his teens.

His first love was the guitar, but he had to switch to piano after being shot while trying to defend a bandmate who was being pistol-whipped in 1960.

Blending New Orleans jazz, blues and psychedelia, he gained recognition with the release of his album Gris-Gris in 1968; and scored a US top 10 hit in 1973 with Right Time, Wrong Place.

He was married twice and told the New York Times he had “a lot” of children.

Grammy-winning musician Dr John dies at 77

Grammy-winning American singer Dr John has died at the age of 77 after suffering a heart attack. The New Orleans-born musician died on Thursday, according to a message posted on his official Twitter account. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer combined the genres of blues, pop, jazz, boogie woogie and rock and roll. A statement said: Towards the break of day June 6, iconic music legend Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr, known as Dr John, passed away of a heart attack. The musician created a unique blend of music which carried his hometown, New Orleans, at its heart, as it was always in his heart, it continued. The family thanks all whom shared his unique musical journey requests privacy at this time. Memorial arrangements will be announced in due course. Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr also tweeted a picture, along with the message: God bless Dr John, peace and love to all his family. I love the doctor, peace and love. Dr Johns career started in the late 1950s, when he became prominent as a pianist and singer on the New Orleans music scene. Born Malcolm John Rebennack in New Orleans, his love of music was fostered by his father, who ran an appliance store that also sold records. Despite being kicked out of the church choir, he pursued his love of music, attending local clubs and working at a studio in town during his teens. His first love was the guitar, but he had to switch to piano after being shot while trying to defend a bandmate who was being pistol-whipped in 1960. Blending New Orleans jazz, blues and psychedelia, he gained recognition with the release of his album Gris-Gris in 1968; and scored a US top 10 hit in 1973 with Right Time, Wrong Place. He was married twice and told the New York Times he had a lot of children.