Dr. John is another Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee who made it in on his first ballot, though he had to wait 17 years after his initial eligibility.
The singer-songwriter was a staple of the New Orleans music scene, blending traditional jazz and R&B with modern soul and funk. He won six Grammys and released dozens of albums as both a band leader and a supporting artist. His biggest hit was ‘Right Place Wrong Time,’ which made it to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Born Malcolm John Rebennack Jr., Dr. John borrowed his stage name from an old spiritual healer who dabbled in voodoo. He used voodoo imagery and references in much of his music.
Disney fans among us will recognize Dr. John as the singer of ‘Down in New Orleans,’ the opening track of 2009’s The Princess and the Frog. Randy Newman, who wrote the music for the film, apparently couldn’t evoke New Orleans without having Dr. John’s voice in the mix.
Dr. John battled a heroin addiction, which he finally kicked in 1989. He died 30 years later of a heart attack at 77.
I’d have said the right thing, but I must have used the wrong line
I been in the right trip, but I must have used the wrong car
My head was in a bad place and I’m wondering what it’s good for
I been the right place, but it must have been the wrong time
My head was in a bad place, but I’m having such a good time
I been running trying to get hung up in my mind (oooh)
Got to give myself a good talking-to this time
Just need a little brain salad surgery (oooh)
Got to cure this insecurity
I been in the wrong place, but it must have been the right time
I been in the right place, but it must have been the wrong song
I been in the right vein, but it seems like the wrong arm
I been in the right world, but it seems wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong
Slipping, dodging, sneaking, creeping, hiding out down the street (oooh)
See me life shaking with every ho’ I meet
Refried confusion is making itself clear (oooh)
Wonder which way do I go to get on out of here
I been in the right place, but it must have been the wrong time
I’d have said the right thing, but I must have used the wrong line
I’d have took the right road, but I must have took a wrong turn
Would’ve made the right move, but I made it at the wrong time
I been on the right road but, I must have used the wrong car
My head was in a good place and I wonder what it’s bad for
Meet Me In Montauk 
Having just seen the fabulous Counting Crows in concert last night, I want to put out into the universe that this band deserves to be inducted into the Rock Hall. They’ve been eligible since 2018, but have yet to even be nominated. I suppose the case against them is a lack of influence on other artists, but it’s hard to argue with their longevity, commercial success and fan loyalty.
I say put the Crows in!
I feel sad when I see these people being inducted after they died. Seems to happen often. And even though I don’t know any of the Counting Crow’s songs I hope Dana gets his wish 🤞