David Johansen and the Harry Smiths – David Johansen and the Harry Smiths

Released in 2000 for the noted New York audiophile label Chesky Records, David Johansen and the Harry Smiths is the folk blues project by David Johansen (the iconic former lead singer of the hugely infuential New York Dolls) with support from drummer Joey Baron, bassist Kermit Driscoll, guitarists Brian Koonin and Larry Saltzman

The album features songs from “The Anthology of American Folk Music” – a compilation album curated by flmmaker and music scholar Harry Smith from his collection of 78 RPM records. The album is recorded in St. Peter’s Chelsea, the renowned Episcopal Church.

Blues has been part of David’s music since his New York Dolls days with covers like “Spoonful”, “Gimme a Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer” and “Don’t Start Me Talking” (revisited on this album). With this project, David’s passion for folk and blues, and his enigmatic ability to hop from genre to genre is put on full display, it’s a vital chapter in the story of the American icon.

David Johansen and the Harry Smiths’ will be released on 180g One Step Pressing Vinyl LP for Record Store Day Black Friday 2025 and limited to just 2,500 copies worldwide. The LP comes with an exclusive 16-page booklet with never seen before photographs and paintings by David himself, written by Mara Hennessey. It’s also available for Black Friday 2025 on SACD Hybrid Stereo (recorded in Hi-res) and limited to just 2,000 copies worldwide. The SACD comes with an exclusive 24-page booklet..

First ever vinyl pressing.

Brand new artwork and exclusive booklet for this Black Friday edition.

Format – Limited Edition SACD & Limited Edition LP