Two years on from the passing of our beloved Hal Willner, April 7, 2020, (five years on now, 2025) an early Covid loss.
His New York Times obituary by John Leland – here
An earlier piece by Leland (a profile from 2017) – here
His obituary in The Guardian – here
Hal was, of course, the producer of much of Allen’s recorded work – the monumental Holy Soul Jelly Roll (1994) and 1989’s inspired collaborative The Lion For Real, for starters..
Our own Fall of America Journals Tribute album is respectfully dedicated to him
See tributes from Sonny Rollins and a host of other great musicians – here
from Steve Earle and others for American Songwriter – here
from Lee Renaldo of Sonic Youth and others – here
Indeed, the outpouring of love and public testimony that followed, from so many.
Here’s Jeff Gold”s touching first-hand remembrance
Here’s John Kruth – “Hal Willner – American Visionary”
Here’s Alan Licht on Hal (Night Music)
Here’s Gary Lipmann – “Hal Willner – My Favorite Alchemist..”
Here’s Francesco Lombardi’s Italian memory
Not forgetting the memorable tribute to Hal from the crew at Saturday Night Live:
He’s also interviewed here
Sebastian Sharple has footage of Hal in 1999, in London, at the Harry Smith Project/Nick Cave Meltdown
& here’s footage from his last public performance, March 1, 2020 (he’s fittingly reading Lou Reed)
See that and more coordinated Hal resources – here
You’re ever and always in our thoughts, Hal!