Throughout his six-decade long career, Dr. John embodied a near-mythic multitude of musical identities: Global Ambassador of New Orleans funk and jazz and R&B, visionary bluesman, rock and roll innovator, and a massively revered high priest of psychedelic voodoo.

Things Happen That Way, his final studio album, adds another dimension to his musicality: a lifelong affinity for country & western. It’s a glorious farewell from one of the most essential figures in music history.