Dr. John’s Final Studio Album - Things Happen That Way Due

There are few artists who are as closely associated with New Orleans as Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack, Jr., known to music fans the world over as Dr. John. His Nite Tripper persona was, for many, their introduction to the music and culture of New Orleans, and Rebennack was the ultimate ambassador for his hometown’s artistic heritage.

When Rebennack set out to record Things Happen That Way, one of the featured guest artists he invited to participate in the sessions was fellow New Orleanian Aaron Neville, whose friendship with Mac dates back to their teen years. Today, their jubilant, joyful rendition of The Traveling Wilburys’ classic “End of the Line,” on which they are also joined by rising star Katie Pruitt, is released. 

Rebennack was planning future projects when his life was unexpectedly cut short in 2019. Now, three years after his untimely passing, in a world complicated by COVID-19, Things Happen That Way will see the light of day. The album, which features three brand new original compositions, a mesmerizing reworking of Dr. John’s 1968 classic “I Walk on Guilded Splinters, and new interpretations of songs by Willie Nelson, Cowboy Jack Clement, Hank Williams, and The Traveling Wilburys will be released on September 23. 

Things Happen That Way marks the fulfillment of a longtime goal of the six-time GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter/pianist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, who first began plotting a country-inspired album decades ago. In bringing his album’s songs to life, Dr. John drew on a lineup of musicians befitting of a universally beloved luminary. Along with an elite cadre of New Orleans session players, the album also features guest appearances by his longtime friend and frequent musical collaborator Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. 

Things Happen That Way Track Listing:

1. Funny How Time Slips Away
2. Ramblin’ Man
3. Gimme That Old Time Religion (feat. Willie Nelson) 
4. I Walk On Guilded Splinters (feat. Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real)
5. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
6. End Of The Line (feat. Aaron Neville)
7. Holy Water
8. Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone
9. Give Myself A Good Talkin’ To
10. Guess Things Happen That Way