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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – He’s the last of the best, they call him the Gris-Gris man. It’s legendary New Orleans musician Mac “Dr. John” Rebennack’s birthday today.

The piano master turns 76 today. While he’s known around the world as a piano man, Rebennack actually began his musical journey as a guitar prodigy.

Dr. John at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. (Photograph by Michael P. Smith © Historic New Orleans Collection)
Dr. John at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. (Photograph by Michael P. Smith © Historic New Orleans Collection)

A bullet to the finger in a bar fight after a show put a damper on Rebennack’s guitar playing, but his piano career could not be stopped.

Dr. John and Allen Toussaint 1974(Photograph by Michael P. Smith © The Historic New Orleans Collection)
Dr. John and Allen Toussaint 1974(Photograph by Michael P. Smith © The Historic New Orleans Collection)

The good doctor sat down with News with a Twist anchor LBJ back in August to talk about his amazing life and career.

Happy birthday Dr. John!