Dr. John passed away on June 6, 2019, and since then has been mourned worldwide by fans, friends and family. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and six-time Grammy Award winner left behind unforgettable music to remember him by, including seven critically acclaimed albums released by his Estate, among them a Grammy-nominated studio album.
“I’m happy that these albums can bring back memories of when the listener first put Dr. John records on their turntable—and when they saw Dad perform live, if they were lucky enough to be in that number,” says his daughter and Estate Executrix, Karla R. Pratt. “On this seventh anniversary of his passing, thank you to all the fans, friends, and family for keeping Dad’s music alive in their hearts through the years.”
The seven albums released by the Dr. John Estate are:
Things Happen That Way (2022), Dr. John’s final studio album, was released on Rounder Records and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album. The album features guest appearances by Lukas Nelson & 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), a compilation released on BMG, included decades of Dr. John’s legendary live performances at the renowned 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) was released 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 Jazz Fest 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, “Dorothy” and “Such a Night,” stand out as album highlights.
Dr. John: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968–1974 (2024) was released for Record Store Day on Omnivore, followed by a CD release. OffBeat 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. The 26 songs on Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968–1974 come from Mac Rebennack’s debut as Dr. John the Night Tripper, Gris-Gris; 1969’s Babylon; 1970’s Remedies; 1972’s Gumbo; 1973’s In the Right Place; and Desitively Bonnaroo, which concluded his ATCO years. Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya presents an irresistible visit with the early Dr. John.”
Dr. John: Live at Montreux 1986 (2024), a digital live album released on BMG, featured Dr. John’s legendary solo performance at the iconic European festival. American Blues Scene wrote: “This historic live recording, Dr. John: Live at Montreux 1986 – The Complete Solo Legendary Performance, arrives just in time for the icon’s birthday and marks a significant milestone in his storied career.”
Dr. John: Live at the Village Gate (2025) captures a top-tier Dr. John performance recorded on March 5, 1988, featuring a full band at the height of its powers. Released by Omnivore and the Dr. John Estate as a CD and digital double album, the recording earned praise from Americana Highways, which wrote: “Sound-wise, the performance was pristine, and Dr. John, in fine voice, was entertaining throughout the session.”
Dr. John – Live at Rockpalast 1999 (2026) was released by the Dr. John Estate and MIG Music (Made in Germany) on DVD, CD box set, and streaming platforms. Blues Magazine wrote: “A legendary Rockpalast performance from 1999 captures Dr. John at his most powerful. Live at the Loreley, the six-time Grammy winner delivers a deep New Orleans groove, blending blues, funk, and voodoo rhythms. Released by MIG Music, this recording is a lasting document of the Night Tripper’s musical legacy.”
