Dan Auerbach, frontman for The Black Keys, will make his directorial debut with a new documentary about legendary New Orleans musician Mac Rebannack, better known as Dr. John. Auerback will partner with RadicalMedia and Impact Artist Productions to create the film.
Dr. John performing at the 2005 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, photo by Clayton Call/Redferns
“I’m thrilled to try my hand at directing a documentary feature for the first time and I’m honored to have the subject be my friend Dr John,” said Auerbach in a press release. “He was such a unique individual and a shining example of the great melting pot of American music. From his mysterious voodoo stage persona Dr John, to his real, humble self Mac Rebannack—the street poet, the family man, the junkie, the Grammy award winner and all that’s in between—this documentary will introduce the world to him in a way they haven’t seen him before.”
In 2012, Auerbach produced Dr. John’s album Locked Down which was named number 15 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the top 50 albums of that year. The album went on to win a Grammy in 2013 for Best Blues Album.
Executive producers will include Jon Kamen and Jon Doran 0f RadicalMedia along with Dr. John’s longtime managers Ed Gerard and Peter Himberger of Impact Artist Productions and independent producer Leopoldo Gout.
“Dan’s creative experience with Mac, and his passion for this story truly brings a unique perspective and style to the project,” said Doran. ” We are thrilled to bring this important story to life with Dan at the helm.”
