Mac Rebennack added new colours to the already rich world of psychedelic rock. In 1968 Rebennack was an established studio musician, appearing from out of the Louisiana jazz scene, but working in the fancy LA studios. Fellow New Orleans expat Harold Batiste scored him some leftover studio time from a session by Sonny & Cher, and Rebennack got his band together. The rest is, as they say, history.
The result is still the weirdest record in rock history. Spooky, swampy and evil. The protagonist Dr. John presents himself as a snake charmer and medicine man, boasting about his skills in healing. Gris gris is a west African and Caribbean talisman, and Dr. John Montaine was a real voodoo priest from the 19th century.
Gris gris has influenced countless others with its moody atmosphere. I find it funny that Cher herself recorded a version of the last song of this record.