Dr. John began making his own idiosyncratic music in the 1960s. Along with Professor Longhair, Dr. John is heir to the rich New Orleans tradition. He is perhaps best known for "Right Place, Wrong Time", an international hit in 1973, reissued and used on soundtracks many times since.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, his professional musical career began as a session musician in New Orleans in the 1950s. Early on he also played guitar and was often known as Mac Rebennack. He switched to the bass ("the lowest time of my life"), and then the piano after his index finger was nearly shot off protecting his bandmate and longtime friend Ronnie Barron. He 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 Dr. John, The Night Tripper. The name "Dr. John" came from a legendary Louisiana voodoo practitioner from the start of the 19th century.
Dr. John has also done vocals for Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits' "Luv dat chicken..." jingle, as well as the theme song ("My Opinionation") for the early-1990s television sitcom Blossom. His movie credits include Martin Scorsese's documentary The Last Waltz (in which he joins The Band for a performance of his song "Such a Night") and Blues Brothers 2000 (in which he joins the fictional band The Louisiana Gator Boys to perform the song "New Orleans"). In the 2009 Disney film The Princess and the Frog, Dr. John sings the opening tune, "Down in New Orleans".
In January 2008 Mac Rebennack, Dr. John, was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame.
Iko Iko
Dr. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My grand-ma told your grand-ma: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."
Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
Look at my king all dressed in red I-ko, I-ko, un-day.
I bet-cha five dol-lars he'll kill you dead, jock-a-mo fee na-né
Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
My flag boy and your flag boy were
Sit-tin' by the fire. My flag boy told
Your flag boy: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."
Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now! Hey now! I-KO, I-KO, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
See that guy all dressed in green? I-KO, I-KO, un-day.
He's not a man, he's a lov-in' ma-chine
Jock-a mo fee na-né
Talk-in' 'bout, hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
The song "Iko Iko" by Dr. John is an old African-American traditional song that speaks about the feuds between two Mardi Gras Indian tribes, who are meeting one another in the streets. The song references various characters who come to the parade, such as "my king all dressed in red," "that guy all dressed in green," and "my flag boy and your flag boy." These references are in many ways cryptic and meant to be understood amongst the tribes themselves rather than the audience at large. As the two tribes come together in the street, they begin to exchange insults and engage in a kind of musical clash that is marked by the use of the phrase "jock-a-mo fee na-né." This phrase is thought to be a mystical incantation that has its roots in West Africa and may have been used in voodoo rituals. Towards the end of the song, one of the tribes threatens to burn the other's flag, which suggests that the tensions between the two groups run deep.
Line by Line Meaning
My grand-ma and your grand-ma were sit-tin' by the fire.
Two grandmothers were sitting by the fire.
My grand-ma told your grand-ma: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."
One grandmother challenged the other grandmother to a flag-burning competition.
Talk-in' 'bout, Hey now! Hey now! I-ko, I-ko, un-day
Jock-a-mo fee-no ai na-né, jock-a-mo fee na-né
A chant or call-and-response among participants possibly to drum up excitement for the competition.
Look at my king all dressed in red I-ko, I-ko, un-day.
I bet-cha five dol-lars he'll kill you dead, jock-a-mo fee na-né
An intimidating man with the power to kill was present at the competition, and someone made a bet on his victory.
My flag boy and your flag boy were
Sit-tin' by the fire. My flag boy told
Your flag boy: "I'm gon-na set your flag on fire."
Two flag bearers were also present and one challenged the other to a competition.
See that guy all dressed in green? I-KO, I-KO, un-day.
He's not a man, he's a lov-in' ma-chine. Jock-a mo fee na-né
Another competitor was present, this time dressed in green, and was known for his romantic prowess.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Barbara Anne Hawkins, Joan Marie Johnson, Rosa Lee Hawkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardmichael1277
No one enjoys life more than musicians that make good music playing together or as a solo performer.
@titoqwentezproductionz3406
damn str8
@DaddysVoice
I always fantasized about Dr. John being my grandpa and sitting beside him on the piano bench as he played. R.I.P. Mac...you are deeply missed.
@paulblakey4589
A Sad sad loss, you brought much happiness to many. Thank you for that Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. - alias Dr. John.
@andrewlowe9969
If this doesn't make you like jazz/funk fusion nothing will! Dr. John was a genius at the keys and singing both. He truly is the ambassador musician of New Orleans. His influences and reverence for the greats including Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong are profound to him as he said in an interview that was the most genuine I've ever seen. His "voodoo" blues are an amazing contribution to Jazz. I'm going to find out if there is a tribute band that covers Dr. John in New Orleans. It wouldn't be a trip there if there is one to see and take in. God bless you Mac in the heavens you are greatly missed but we know you are having a big party with all the greats that have left us before.
@zenacohen1263
worked with him on the business side fr many years a wonderful caring individual
@davebeach2343
Dr. John put on one of the best concerts I've seen in my 50 plus years of concert going. From the start with the band showing off it's talent and chemistry, to the good Dr's strutting debonair walk to the stage through the crowd, the entire evening was about the music and having a celebration together. IMHO, he's one of the most funky players ever, and his absence will be felt deeply. R. I. P.
@007bttb
I was 15 years old when I saw the most amazing performer in City Park NOLA .I PUSH my way to the front (Very hard)and was rewarded with the most incredible performance on this planet .GOD rest your soul. My Nawlins brother 🎹🎶🎹🎶🎹
@MrRezillo
Best version of Iko I've ever heard; kick ass! And he lets all the horns solo.
@jszisson
Indeed!