Bob Dylan stands as a monumental figure in music history, celebrated not only for his distinctive voice and performance style but, crucially, for his unparalleled songwriting prowess. His lyrics, often poetic and resonant with social commentary, have cemented his place as one of the most influential songwriters of all time. While many are familiar with Dylan’s own iconic renditions, a vast catalog of his songs have achieved fame through other artists, often in versions that eclipsed Dylan’s originals in mainstream popularity. This article delves into some of the most notable songs written by Bob Dylan that became major hits for other musicians, showcasing the breadth and enduring appeal of his songwriting genius.
“Wagon Wheel” – Old Crow Medicine Show
Initially a Dylan outtake from 1973, merely a chorus hummed on a bootleg tape, “Wagon Wheel” transformed into a bluegrass anthem thanks to Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. Secor, hearing the fragment, crafted verses around Dylan’s chorus, turning it into a complete song decades later. Released in 2004, Old Crow Medicine Show’s version became their signature tune, resonating deeply within Americana and country music circles. Secor himself acknowledges the “magical touch” of Bob Dylan as key to the song’s enduring popularity, highlighting Dylan’s initial spark of creativity as the foundation for this beloved track.
“If Not For You” – George Harrison
“If Not For You” is a tender love song penned by Dylan for his then-wife, Sara Dylan. It first appeared on Dylan’s 1970 album New Morning. Shortly after Dylan’s release, George Harrison, in his post-Beatles era, recorded and released his own version. Harrison’s rendition, imbued with his signature warmth and sincerity, brought the song to a wider audience, showcasing the song’s universal appeal beyond Dylan’s folk-rock style. Harrison’s cover is a testament to the song’s inherent melodic beauty and heartfelt lyrics, proving its versatility across different musical interpretations.
“All Along the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix
“All Along the Watchtower” is a song that arguably reached its most iconic form not through Dylan’s original, but through Jimi Hendrix’s electrifying interpretation. Dylan first recorded the song for his 1967 album John Wesley Harding. However, it was Hendrix who truly unleashed the song’s potential. Hendrix’s 1968 version transformed the folk-tinged original into a psychedelic rock masterpiece, complete with searing guitar riffs and a revolutionary energy. Dylan himself has acknowledged Hendrix’s version as definitive, stating that Hendrix “found things in it that other people wouldn’t have found.”
“Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
“Make You Feel My Love” stands as a testament to Dylan’s songwriting versatility, proving his capacity to pen timeless ballads. While Dylan himself released it on his 1997 album Time Out of Mind, it was Adele’s powerful and emotive rendition in 2008 that propelled the song to global fame. Featured on her debut album 19, Adele’s version resonated with millions, becoming a modern classic and a staple in her repertoire. The song has been covered over 450 times by artists across genres, but Adele’s version remains arguably the most commercially successful and emotionally resonant, showcasing the song’s universal theme of love and comfort.
“The Mighty Quinn” – Manfred Mann
“The Mighty Quinn” is a song that showcases Dylan’s lighter, more whimsical side. He wrote and recorded it in 1967, rumored to be inspired by Anthony Quinn’s role in The Savage Innocents. However, it was Manfred Mann’s 1968 rendition, titled “Mighty Quinn,” that became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one in the UK and top 10 in the US. Manfred Mann’s upbeat, pop-rock arrangement transformed Dylan’s original into a catchy and infectious tune, demonstrating the song’s adaptability to different musical styles and its broad appeal to a pop audience.
“Wanted Man” – Johnny Cash
“Wanted Man” is a unique entry, written by Dylan specifically for Johnny Cash in 1969. It appeared on Cash’s At San Quentin album, capturing the raw energy of a live prison performance. While details surrounding its composition are scarce, it’s known that Dylan and Cash shared a mutual respect and friendship, with Cash being a staunch supporter of Dylan’s work. “Wanted Man,” in Cash’s gravelly voice, perfectly embodies the outlaw persona, highlighting Dylan’s ability to tailor his songwriting to specific artists and personas.
“Farewell, Angelina” – Joan Baez
“Farewell, Angelina” is a poignant folk ballad that Bob Dylan penned in the mid-60s. Although Dylan attempted to record it for his Bringing It All Back Home album in 1965, he ultimately abandoned the effort. Joan Baez, a prominent figure in the folk scene and closely associated with Dylan, picked up the song and released her version, shortening it, over two decades later. Baez’s rendition became a staple in her repertoire, performed live for decades, and cemented “Farewell, Angelina” as a significant song in the folk canon, further illustrating Dylan’s influence on his contemporaries and the folk genre at large.
In conclusion, Bob Dylan’s songwriting catalog is a treasure trove of musical gems, many of which have shone brightly not only through his own performances but also through the interpretations of other artists. These covers not only broadened the reach of Dylan’s work but also illuminated the timeless quality and adaptability of his songs across genres and generations. From folk to rock, pop to country, Bob Dylan Written Songs continue to inspire and resonate, solidifying his legacy as a songwriting titan whose influence extends far beyond his own recordings.
