1972 Dr John – Gumbo

Dr. John‘s Gumbo released in 1972 is the fifth album by New Orleans singer and pianist Dr. John (Mac Rebennack), a tribute to the music of his native city. The album is a collection of covers of New Orleans classics, played by a major figure in the city’s music. It marked the beginning of Dr. John’s transition away from the eccentric stage character that earned him a cult following, and toward a more straightforward image based on New Orleans’ R&B traditions.

In 2012, the album was ranked number 404 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The album cover was shot in front of the huge mural adorning the wall of The Farmer John Company, (also seen in the movie Carrie), located at Soto Street and Vernon in Vernon, California. The album was on the Billboard 200 charts for eleven weeks, charting as high as #112 on June 24, 1972.