Bob Dylan is unquestionably one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. His songwriting has touched and inspired generations of artists and listeners alike. However, his recordings of his songs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. His unique vocal delivery doesn’t hit every listener’s ears the same. And that’s fine.
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Fortunately for those who aren’t fans of Dylan’s recordings, countless artists have covered his songs over the years. The long and diverse group of artists who have put their spin on his songs is a testament to his ability to touch a wide range of people. Artists including Kesha, Elvis, The Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, The Clash, and Billy Strings have covered his songs either live or in the studio.
1. “All Along the Watchtower” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Bob Dylan wrote “All Along the Watchtower” for his 1967 album John Wesley Harding. The song has also appeared on several of Dylan’s live albums and greatest hits compilations. Additionally, like many of his songs, “All Along the Watchtower” has been recorded by a laundry list of artists. However, no cover can match the one recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience for their 1968 album Electric Ladyland.
How good was the Hendrix cover? It was good enough to change the way Dylan played the song during his concerts. The song also made countless listeners fans of Dylan’s songwriting, even if they didn’t know it.
2. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses
Bob Dylan wrote “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” a look at a lawman at the end of his life, for the 1973 film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. It was an international top 10 hit for him and became one of his most popular songs. It also spawned several covers.
Guns N’ Roses introduced a generation of rock fans to Dylan’s songwriting when they released “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” The band released three renditions of the song. First, they included a live cut of the song on the “Welcome to the Jungle” single in 1987. Then, like Dylan, they recorded a version of the song for a motion picture soundtrack. It appears in the 1990 film Days of Thunder. Finally, they released a retooled studio version on Use Your Illusion II, and it became an international hit.
3. “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” by Flatt & Scruggs
Bob Dylan released “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” as the B-side of “Blowin’ in the Wind” from The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan in 1962. This iconic breakup song has been recorded by dozens of artists, including Waylon Jennings, The Four Seasons, Burl Ives, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Elvis, and many more.
Bluegrass legends Flatt & Scruggs recorded a cover of the song for the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. Then, two years later, they included it on their album Changin’ Times alongside covers of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “It Ain’t Me Babe,” and “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
4. “Mr. Tambourine Man” by the Byrds
Bob Dylan recorded “Mr. Tambourine Man” for his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. Like other songs on the list, this one has been covered by countless artists. However, the Byrds’ version may be the most popular. They released it as their debut single in April 1965, less than a month after Dylan released the original as a single. The cover went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also helped to bring about the resurgence of folk music in the mid-1960s.
Featured Image by David Redfern/Redferns
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