Dr. John (also Dr. John Creaux) is the stage name of Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (born November 21, 1940), a colorful pianist, singer, and songwriter, whose music spans, and often combines, blues, boogie woogie, and rock and roll.
Musical biography
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, his musical career began as a session musician in New Orleans in the 1950s. Early in his career he also played guitar and was often known as Mac Rebennack. He switched to the bass, and then the piano after his left ring finger was injured by a gunshot, while he was protecting his bandmate, Jesuit High School classmate, and longtime friend Ronnie Barron.Professor Longhair was an important influence on Rebennack. Rebennack gained fame beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with music that combined New Orleans-style rhythm and blues with psychedelic rock and stage shows that bordered on voodoo religious ceremonies, including elaborate costumes and headdress. For a time he was billed as Doctor John, The N
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr. John