Smithsonian Institution Archives

Productions, 1998-1999

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FA06-099
Creators:
Smithsonian Productions
Dates:
1998-1999
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
2.5 cu. ft. (1 record storage box) (3 document boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
This accession documents the production of "The Mississippi: River of Song." Better known as "River of Song," this project combined a television series, radio series, and 2-disc compact disc. The project as a whole explores the richness and vitality of American music at the close of the twentieth century through live performances and intimate discussions with musicians along the course of the Mississippi River. The 4-part television series aired on the Public Broadcasting Service beginning in January 1999. It takes viewers on a musical journey from the headwaters in northern Minnesota to the river's mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, creating a portrait of the American musician along the way. All scenes were shot live on location and feature musicians that represent the regional culture. The 7-part radio series aired on Public Radio International affiliates beginning in January 1999. The radio series is similar in content to the television series and is hosted by Ani DiFranco. The 2-CD set consists of 36 tracks of live recordings from 1995 through 1997. The CDs feature contemporary musicians who have forged their styles out of the rich musical heritage found along the banks of the Mississippi River. The CDs were distributed through Smithsonian Folkways beginning in 1998. Materials in this accession include originals, production masters, archives, narration, sound mixes, distribution copies, and promotional copies. Additional and detailed information about these productions may be found at The River of Song Project website at http://www.pbs.org/riverofsong/.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 06-099, Smithsonian Productions, Productions
Access Restriction
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing/listening copies are not currently available. Viewing/listening copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.

More Information

Notes

SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
DiFranco, Ani Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Public Broadcasting Service (U.S.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Public Radio International Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Smithsonian/Folkways Recordings Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
The Mississippi: River of Song (Television program : 1999) Title Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
The Mississippi: River of Song (Radio program : 1999) Title Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Television -- Production and direction Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Video recordings -- Production and direction Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Music -- United States Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Musicians -- United States Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Documentary television programs Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museums -- Educational aspects Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mississippi River Place Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mississippi River Valley Place Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Audiotapes Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Compact discs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Videotapes Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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