Today, it was announced that the late New Orleans music Goliath Dr. John's final batch of music, Things Happen That Way, will release on Sept. 23 via Rounder Records. The LP comes three years after his death which was caused by a heart attack in June 2019.
Things Happen That Way is comprised of covers that inspired the icon along with some of his final songs, all of which have yet to be heard. Throughout his life and career, Dr. John, also known as Mac Rebennack, freely explored American music from jazz, funk, psychedelic, rock and roll and more. His exploration continued until his final days, and his low rumbling voice is set to tackle classics by the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
Dr. John's daughter Karla R. Pratt served as the album's executive producer and, according to Rolling Stone, said the covers are "a musical tip of the hat to the greats who preceded him." She continued to share that, "[Dr. John loved how simple yet emotionally complex Hank’s songs are, that they have a hook with a twist. For this album, inspired by listening to the Louisiana Hayride [radio show] and icons of country and western, he was excited to do songs in a way that evokes emotion that sticks with you long after one of the songs — done his soulful way — is played."
The 10-track album features special guests including Nelson, Aaron Neville, Will Lee, John Cleary, David Torkanowsky and Carlo Nuccio. Additionally, the album includes a remake of Dr. John's “I Walk on Guilded Splinters” with Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.
Nelson also duets with Dr. John on “Gimme That Old Time Religion,” and Aaron Neville joins in on a gospel-flavored version of the Traveling Wilburys’ “End of the Line.” The 10-track album features back-up by Theriot, former Late Night with David Letterman bassist Will Lee, keyboardists Jon Cleary and David Torkanowsky, and drummer Carlo Nuccio.
Listening to the remake of "I Walk On Guilded Splinters" below:
