Finished Th 1/28/16
This is one of my hardbacks that I bought and finished in October, 1999. I read and skimmed through it in one day.
This is probably one of the least entertaining rock biographies that I've read. Dr; John comes across as a dour, grumpy man who is all work and no play. He was a junkie for most of his adult life, yet he never uses drugs for pleasure or inspiration- just to get through his day to day life.
Maybe it's because he is so much older than most of the 'sixties crowd' (born 1940).
His work as a producer/writer/arranger is probably the best part of the book. And, he is very much linked into the mystical traditions of New Orleans. He was friends of many of the elderly ladies who practiced voodoo.
He was already established in New Orleans music by the age of thirteen. And, he knows all of the famous musicians from the area (Fats Domino/Little Richard/etc) and all of the players in the bands.
He comes across as a talented musician who has a strong criminal side. The guitarist for the MC5, Wayne Kramer, is who he reminded me of, although that guy is more 'hapless' than criminally inclined.
Certainly not a waste of time, but considering his 'act' and the high spirited tone of his music, I thought he would be more of a 'free spirit'.
Mentioned that Van Morrison is very difficult to deal with. I've heard that from numerous sources.
Dr. John's link at wikipedia-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._John
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