Bob’s Birthday Bash – Part 2

Peter, Paul, and Mary’s 1963 version of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” catapulted the young songwriter to stardom and the royalties Dylan received from that song taught him the same lesson Lennon and McCartney would also learn: there is a lot more money to be made in writing your own songs. The Byrds’ 1965 version of Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” was a smash hit and showed Dylan that although folk music was respectable there was a lot more fun- and money to be made- in rock.

Peter, Paul, and Mary

After quickly transitioning to rock music, Bob Dylan hired a group- the Band- to back him on the road and by the end of the ‘60s Dylan was making enough money from songwriting royalties that he could afford to take a break from performing and focus on other pursuits. Although he probably doesn’t need the money, Dylan continues performing around the world and even has a new line of whiskey he’s selling- “Heaven’s Door”. Here are some more of my favorite Dylan covers. Enjoy- and Happy Birthday, Bob!

Bob Dylan and the Byrds

01. Totta Näslund – “Wigwam” (2003)
02. The Pogues – “When the Ship Comes In” (1995)
03. The Band – “When I Paint My Masterpiece” (1971)
04. Old Crow Medicine Show – “Visions of Johanna (Live)” (2016)
05. Peter, Paul, and Mary – “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963)
06. Ramones – “My Back Pages” (1993)
07. Nico – “I’ll Keep It with Mine” (1967)
08. Guns N’ Roses – “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (1991)
09. Mike Ness – “Don’t Think Twice” (1999)
10. The Band – “I Shall Be Released” (1968)
11. Cher – “Masters of War” (1968)
12. Willie Nelson and Calexico – “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” (2007)
13. Jim James and Calexico – “Goin’ to Acapulco” (2007)
14. Roger McGuinn and Calexico – “One More Cup of Coffee” (2007)
15. The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man” (1965)
16. Cat Power – “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” (2007)
17. Them – “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” (1966)
18. 16 Horsepower – “Nobody ‘Cept You” (2000)
19. Jackson Browne – “Love Minus Zero/No Limit” (2012)
20. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Times They Are a-Changin’” (1964)

Bob Dylan and the Band

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Recommended Links:

Bob Dylan – 60 Minutes Interview (2004)