The legendary Dr. John passed away on June 6, 2019, and has been mourned worldwide by fans, friends and family. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and six-time Grammy award winner left behind more music to remember him by, in four critically acclaimed albums released by his Estate including a Grammy-nominated posthumous studio album.
The four albums released by the Dr. John Estate are: Americana hit Things Happen That Way (2022) Dr. John’s final studio album released posthumously on Rounder Records, nominated for a Best Americana Album Grammy Award, and featuring guest artists Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real (Guilded Splinters), Willie Nelson (Old Time Religion) and Aaron Neville (End of the Line). Legendary critic Robert Christgau gave the album an A-, calling it “the most committed album hard-hustling New Orleans piano maestro Mac Rebennack recorded in his last two decades on earth.”
Dr. John: The Montreux Years 1986-2012 (2023) compilation on BMG included decades of Dr. John’s legendary live performances at the legendary festival. All About Jazz wrote: “Lovingly curated by the Montreux Jazz Festival and overseen by founder Claude Nobs’ partner, Thierry Amsallem, this is the tenth installment of The Montreux Years series. The whole album is a wonderful live compilation that shows the many facets of musicianship that made Dr. John the iconic figure he remains.”
Dr. John: Solo Piano Live in New Orleans 1984 (2023) by Tipitina’s Record Club. American Blues Scene wrote: “The release of Dr. John Solo Piano/Live in New Orleans 1984 comes 39 years after his show on the riverboat was planned by legendary New Orleans music impresario Quint Davis in celebration of Jazz Fest’s 15th anniversary. He was introduced by Davis to a packed crowd full of JazzFest revelers as “the man you call Dr. John who’s really New Orleans’ own Mac Rebennack.” The show featured songs by Huey Piano Smith and Dave Bartholomew. Two of Dr. John’s originals prove album highlights: “Dorothy” and “Such a Night” famously in The Last Waltz.”
Dr. John: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 (2024) was released for Record Store Day on Omnivore – an album that soon sold out. A CD followed. OffBeat Magazine wrote: As if anyone can forget the singular genius of Dr. John, a new collection of his ATCO singles reminds us of his mos’ scocious musical medicine. 26-songs on Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 come from Mac Rebennack’s album debut as Dr. John the Night Tripper Gris-Gris; 1969 Babylon; 1970 Remedies; 1972 Gumbo; 1973 In the Right Place; Desitively Bonnaroo, which concluded his ATCO years. Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya, presents an irresistible visit with the early Dr. John.”
“I hope these albums bring back memories of when the listener first put Dr. John records on their turntable – and when they saw Dad perform, if they were lucky enough to be there,” his daughter and Estate Executrix Karla R. Pratt says. “On this fifth anniversary of his passing, thank you to all the fans for keeping Dad’s music alive in your hearts for all these years.”
Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KgjaAmyiLIFvBg2fOfWE7