The Smith Tapes

Series produced by Ezra Bookstein

Series image

The lost interviews of Howard Smith-
After more than 40 years, (Village Voice journalist and radio personality) Howard Smith’s original interview reels from 1969-72, hundreds of them, have been unearthed, restored and are available for the first time.

As a columnist for the Village Voice in the 60's-70's, Howard Smith was in a unique position. His column, “Scenes,” was a who’s-who of the Art, Music and Pop cultures of New York. He operated within these worlds as a journalist and friend, a leader of the new participatory journalism. Known as an astute critic of pop culture, a mention or critique in his column had the power to put you and your work on the scene. Smith was at the center of culture in the city during its most transformative and original time.

Between 1969-1972, Smith interviewed a few hundred of the rock, art and cultural titans of the time, often taped directly in relation to the release of their seminal works. For example: John Lennon the day "Imagine" was released, Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda just before the release of "Easy Rider", Mick Jagger at the start of the Stones tour which ended at Altamont, James Taylor on the release of "Sweet Baby James", Janis Joplin's last interview just days before her death, and the list goes on...
The tapes are like time capsules which capture the interviewee in their prime, uncensored, and before they had become the icons we know them to be. Listening to the interviews feels as if you’re there at the table, sitting in the room with Smith and his microphone. The interviews have an immediacy and an intimacy that is astounding.

The produced pieces available here are cut from the longer full interviews, (each running 20-120min. long), most of which are now available on iTunes and Amazon MP3 in curated collections. Search "The Smith Tapes."
Hide full description

As a columnist for the Village Voice in the 60's-70's, Howard Smith was in a unique position. His column, “Scenes,” was a who’s-who of the Art, Music and Pop cultures of New York. He operated within these worlds as a journalist and friend, a leader of the new participatory journalism. Known as an astute critic of pop culture, a mention or critique in his column had the power to put you and your work on the scene. Smith was at the center of culture in the city during its most transformative and original time. Between 1969-1972, Smith interviewed a few hundred of the rock, art and cultural titans of the time, often taped directly in relation to the release of their seminal works. For example: John Lennon the day "Imagine" was released, Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda just before the... Show full description


6 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Caption: Collection 4 - Woodstock, Credit: Masaki Koike
Howard Smith's interview with Joe Cocker, Nov. 21st, 1969. Riding on his new success from Woodstock, Cocker and his band return to the US for a qui...

Bought by KVNF, KUOW, and PRX Remix


  • Added: Sep 09, 2013
  • Length: 03:38
  • Purchases: 3
Caption: Collection 5 - Altamont, Credit: Masaki Koike
Howard Smith's interview with Mick Jagger, Oct. 20th, 1969. The Stones have just arrived in the US for a historic tour, which ends at the infamous ...

Bought by KVNF


  • Added: Sep 09, 2013
  • Length: 02:49
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Collection 6 - The New Hollywood, Credit: Masaki Koike
Howard Smith's interview with Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda-their first since arriving back in the US following Easy Rider's premiere at Cannes.

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Sep 09, 2013
  • Length: 03:16
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Collection 2 - Aquarian Theatre, Credit: Masaki Koike
Howard Smith's interview with John Lennon & Yoko Ono on Dec. 19th, 1969 at Ronnie Hawkin's ranch outside of Toronto.

Bought by CI Dolphin Radio and PRX Remix


  • Added: Sep 09, 2013
  • Length: 04:44
  • Purchases: 2
Caption: Collection 8 - Songwriters, Credit: Masaki Koike
Howard Smith's interview with Pete Townshend, June 8th 1970. The day before, the Who performed 2 shows of Tommy at the Met.

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Sep 09, 2013
  • Length: 03:56
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Collection 1 - Fillmore East, Credit: Masaki Koike
Howard Smith's interview with Eric Clapton, Oct. 24, 1970. Clapton's new band, Derek & the Dominos, will play the Fillmore East immediately followi...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Sep 09, 2013
  • Length: 02:56
  • Purchases: 1