Shake ‘Em On Down: The Blues According to Fred McDowell

A Documentary Film by Joe York & Scott Barretta

Shake ‘Em On Down is a one-hour documentary film that tells the story of Fred McDowell, who was first recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959, mentored Bonnie Raitt, and served as the cornerstone of the unique and enduring North Mississippi- style of blues music.

Building on the longevity, success, and devoted audience of Highway 61 Radio, a production of the Southern Documentary Project, York and Barretta feel that a dedication to visual storytelling about the musical heritage of the South, with a primary focus on the Blues, will greatly enhance SouthDocs’ ability to meet its goals of documenting and educating the region. This film the first documentary produced under the Highway 61 Films banner, and signals a new commitment to documenting the musical culture of the region.