Dr. John canceled a series of performances through tonight (Aug. 4) after falling ill prior to a weekend performance in New York City's Central Park. The New Orleans legend, whose real name is Mac Rebennack, was taken to the hospital just moments before he was due on stage as part of the Summerstage series at Rumsey Playfield.


Sarah Morrow, who also serves as Dr. John's trombone player, assures everyone that he's now "doing much better" via an email to NOLA.com -- and that the piano-playing hoodoo singer simply needed a few days rest.

Unfortunately, that meant a missed date at the Newport Jazz Fest on Sunday, and in North Truro, MA tonight. Dr. John is next scheduled to perform in Scottsdale, AZ, on Friday, as he continues shows in advance of an Aug. 19 release of the new album 'Ske-Dat-De-Dat.'

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