Dr. John’s Final Studio Album Things Happen That Way is Released

New Orleans Legend’s Musical Farewell Garners Tremendous Critical Praise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 23, 2022 – For many years, Malcolm “Mac” Rebennack, Jr – the legendary New Orleans musician known to fans the world over as Dr. John – spoke about wanting to make a country & western album to pay homage to the musicians and songwriters whose songs had a profound and enduring effect on him, and deeply influenced much of the remarkable body of work he produced during his six-decade-long career in music. 

Rebennack was in the process of realizing that goal when his life was unexpectedly cut short by a fatal heart attack three years ago. The resulting album – Things Happen That Way – is available today digitally and on CD. On October 14, the album will be released as a vinyl LP. 

As Executrix of his estate, Rebennack’s eldest daughter Karla Pratt was entrusted with the daunting – but keenly important – task of seeing the album through to completion. “Though it’s very sad that my father isn’t here to see this project that meant so much to him finally be out in the world, I take great comfort in knowing that we fulfilled his long-held wishes.

During his lifetime he frequently stated his desire to record this album with his dear, lifelong friend Willie Nelson and Willie’s son Lukas Nelson as treasured guest artists – he felt having two generations would be very special, spanning past and future. Though he didn’t get to work with Lukas during his lifetime, I’m very happy to know we were able to make that happen. Another lifelong friend, Aaron Neville, lends the instantly recognizable, beautiful voice he always admired. We’re so grateful to the many musicians who contributed to this album, and I’m confident that Dad would be very proud of the final result.”

Critical praise for Things Happen That Way:

“The New Orleans piano man who embodied the musical mélange of his hometown had the kind of drawly, lived-in voice that only improved with age. So Things Happen That Way – Dr. John’s final album, recorded the year he died, 2019 – captures him in peak form.”

– Hank Shteamer, New York Times

“With unusually vulnerable performances of classics like ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ and ‘Funny How Time Slips Away,’ Things Happen That Way is the realization of the singer’s long-held dream of crafting a country-inspired album.”

– Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone

“…a richly resonant farewelI from a maverick veteran.” – Sharon O’Connell, Uncut

  – Andrew Perry, Mojo

“As far as farewells go, it is at times bittersweet, at times triumphant, with enough nuance to convey that it came in the twilight of Rebennack’s remarkable life and career.”

– Keith Spera, Times-Picayune

“Dr. John’s one-of-a-kind voice was stilled when he died a little over three years ago, on June 6, 2019, so this album — which includes three originals as well as covers of some standard country hits and one traditional song (“Gimme That Old Time Religion”) — arrives as a welcome surprise. It also demonstrates just how ingenious a song interpreter Rebennack always was.”

– Henry Carrigan, No Depression

“When Dr. John passed in 2019 due to a heart attack, he was finishing a new album that would finally indulge his passion for country music. Now, fans get to hear the stunning results.” 

– Matt Hendrickson, Garden & Gun

“Things Happen That Way is solid, fun, and a bit sad, but a fitting, heartfelt sign-off from an American treasure. It’s quite beautiful.”

– Thom Jurek, AllMusic 

“…a remarkable and powerful final statement from a musician facing the end by going back to where he started.”

– Kevin E G Perry, The Independent

“Few musical legacies from New Orleans have touched the world in the way that Mac Rebennack, better known as Dr. John, touched the world…While Rebennack could sometimes be larger than life as the Night Tripper, this album showcases a man who feels more personable than ever as he meanders through covers of beloved traditionals and Hank Williams tunes.”

– William Archambeault, ANTIGRAVITY

“Any opportunity to hear this will be the right place AND the right time.”

– Gary Graff, Cleveland Plain Dealer

For more information, contact Regina Joskow at Rounder Records: regina.joskow@rounder.com, 917-532-5687