Bob Dylan

Nigel Russell (Director of Photographs at Heritage Auctions) on the significance of Jim Marshall’s 1963 photograph of Bob Dylan:

“Jim Marshall’s photograph of Bob Dylan kicking a tire down a New York City sidewalk in 1963 is an iconic image that captures the youthful energy and rebellious spirit of the burgeoning folk musician. Taken at a time when Dylan was emerging as a powerful voice in the American folk revival, the photograph portrays him in a moment of playful spontaneity, kicking a discarded tire with a sense of carefree abandon. The black-and-white composition adds to the timelessness of the image, emphasizing the gritty urban backdrop of New York, a city that was integral to Dylan’s early career. Marshall’s ability to capture such an unguarded and candid moment speaks to his skill as a photographer and his deep connection with his subjects. The image encapsulates the essence of Dylan’s persona at the time—unpolished, unconventional, and full of potential—making it a significant piece in the visual history of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.”

P.S. A new Dylan movie comes out December 25.

His music first came into my life with the album Bringing It All Back Home, which I acquired during the early 70’s. I already owned several Beatles albums, so Bob really stood no chance. The only folk music I knew was from my Puff The Magic Dragon record and seeing Pete Seeger on TV, and what I heard from Bob really did not interest a young rock and roll boy. As I progressed into 1970’s rock Bob kept popping up here and there. I bought Blonde On Blonde and Desire and was intrigued enough to re-listen to All Back Home. It occurred to me that this was someone I should have been paying more attention to. I listened to more of his albums and became a casual fan. In 1990 I became a devoted one. During the summer of that year I won tickets to see him in concert at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand. The crowd numbered over 10,000 people and the opener was a band called Wire Train. Their spacey guitars echoed across the big open Grandstand, and it seemed like their songs were written to be played outdoors. Then came Bob and his band. I had heard he would play his songs differently in concert, sometimes disappointing his fans. He played them differently that night, but it was no disappointment to this fan. Almost every song he and his band played was hard and fast, and I don’t think I understood hardly any of the lyrics. He didn’t banter with the crowd, just moving from one great song to the next. It turned out to be one of the best concerts I have ever experienced. I continue to listen to his music, have read Chronicles, and keep up with his new releases. But that outdoor concert so many years ago might be the highlight of my appreciation of one of the masters of modern music.

Tag: Bob Dylan

Image of the Month