Definition: **
Harry Smith was an influential American experimental filmmaker, ethnomusicologist, and archivist known for his pioneering work in avant-garde cinema and the preservation of American folk music.
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**Harry Smith**
**Definition:**
Harry Smith was an influential American experimental filmmaker, ethnomusicologist, and archivist known for his pioneering work in avant-garde cinema and the preservation of American folk music.
**Article:**
Harry Everett Smith (1923–1991) was a multifaceted artist and scholar whose contributions significantly impacted American culture. He is best known for his experimental films, including the acclaimed „Heaven and Earth Magic” (1962), which combined surreal imagery with innovative animation techniques. Smith was also a dedicated ethnomusicologist, compiling and preserving traditional American folk and blues music. His work culminated in the influential „Anthology of American Folk Music,” released in 1952, which played a crucial role in the folk music revival of the mid-20th century. Beyond film and music, Smith was an avid collector of esoteric and occult materials, reflecting his broad intellectual interests.
**Meta Description:**
Harry Smith was an American experimental filmmaker and ethnomusicologist known for his avant-garde films and the preservation of American folk music. His work influenced both cinema and the folk revival movement.