| "Shakedown Street" | |
|---|---|
.jpg) cover art for 2020 reissue | |
| Single byGrateful Dead | |
| from the albumShakedown Street | |
| Released | November 15, 1978 |
| Recorded | 1978 |
| Length | 4:59 |
| Label | Arista |
| Songwriters | Jerry Garcia,Robert Hunter |
| Producer | Lowell George |
"Shakedown Street" is asong by theGrateful Dead. It was written by lyricistRobert Hunter and composed by guitaristJerry Garcia.[1] It was released as the title track on the albumShakedown Street in November 1978. The song was first performed live on August 31, 1978, at theRed Rocks Amphitheatre, inMorrison,Colorado.[1] The song "From the Heart of Me" was also played for the first time during the performance.[1] The albumShakedown Street reached number 41 on theBillboard Top 200 for 1979.[2]
The term "Shakedown Street" was later used colloquially to describe the area outside of Grateful Dead concerts where vendors sold their wares.
"Shakedown Street" was produced byLowell George.[3] The song was recorded and mixed at the band's studio, Club Le Front, in San Rafael, California.[4] The recording took place throughout July 31, 1978 and August 18, 1978. "Shakedown Street" is found on the band's original albumShakedown Street (1978) as well as single recordings onShakedown Street/France (1979), andAlabama Getaway/Shakedown Street (1981).[5]
Musicians include:[6]
After the song's success, many Grateful Dead followers, orDeadheads, used the name for the vending areas outside of Grateful Dead concerts during the 1980s and 90s. These areas were a place to purchase merchandise, food, and often illicit items.[2]
In more recent years, the music and arts festivalBonnaroo has used the term to describe the concert's long strip of vending.[7]
