Mac Rebennack invented the Dr. John persona after a famous New Orleans character we'd now probably call an herbalist or homeopath, but they'd call a doctor. He was a long time New Orleans blues and rock musician who came up with the idea to invoke this persona and make an album of gris-gris (voodoo/hoodoo) music. The persona stuck, only parts of the gris-gris stuck, and the music evolved and transcended repeatedly until his death last year. I read this chapter because it evokes some learning I apply to today's confusion. Spirituality and practicality, civic responsibility, community...concepts we may lose perspective on. New Orleans has some knowledge for us.
