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He had expanded into producing and arranging by the 1960s. He also began concentrating on his keyboard skills after a gun accident forced him to give up the guitar. After brushes with the law and drugs he left New Orleans to get away from the troublesome environment. He ended up in Los Angeles where he found session work. It was at this time that Rebennack renamed himself Dr. John. The Night Tripper, as he called himself, released his first album, Gris-Gris. Rumor has it the album was hastily cut together during left over studio time after a Sonny & Cher session. The finished album never revealed its rushed production.

The mix of R&B and voodoo sounds combined with a psychedelic tinge had critics and fans enthralled. An underground following quickly formed and followed him to his eccentric stage shows around the LA area. He became the talk of the town in his Mardi Gras costume performing ceremonial events on stage.

Dr. John's next few albums received mixed reviews, but his fans stuck by him. Some, like The Sun, Moon & Herbs, were appreciated more than others. The album featured Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger, a surprising addition to Dr. John's line-up. The 1972 release of Gumbo, produced by Jerry Wexler, was a great success. Fans loved Dr. John's trip back to traditional New Orleans R&B, reliving his days with greats like Professor Longhair. His biggest hit came in 1973. "In the Right Place" was produced by Allen Toussaint and was backed by the Meters. The same year he also recorded the Triumvirate album with Mike Bloomfield and John Hammond Jr.