Hal Willner's Harry Smith Project concerts in London, New York and Los Angeles celebrated the eccentric collector genius and his influential Anthology of American Folk Music. Instrumental in inspiring the urban folk revival of the 1960s, the Anthology's continuing impact on modern music is incalculable. Drawing on this legacy, these landmark shows brought together a remarkable roster of artists performing their own unique interpretations of these classic songs.
Direction
Willner's curatorial genius—eclecticism as artistic statement.
Acting
Performers channeling 1920s ghosts through their own weird souls.
Production
Three cities, one vision: the rare concert doc that feels cohesive.
Director
Hal Willner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Harry Smith assembled his Anthology from 78rpm records scavenged from Depression-era junk shops, spending roughly $2.50 per disc.
Willner deliberately avoided 'folk purists'—the project succeeds precisely because Nick Cave treats these songs as living, bleeding things rather than museum pieces.
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