I started writing songs after I heard Hank Williams.
-Bob Dylan to Les Crane, February 1965
If it wasn’t for Elvis and Hank Williams, I couldn’t be doing what I do today.
-Bob Dylan to Robert Shelton, June 1978
To me, Hank Williams is still the best songwriter.
-Bob Dylan to Paul Zollo, April 1991
Hiram King “Hank” Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century, Williams recorded 35 singles (five released posthumously) that reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked number one (three posthumously).
Mary Allin Travers (November 9, 1936 – September 16, 2009) was an American singer-songwriter and member of the folk music group Peter, Paul and Mary, along with Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey. Peter, Paul and Mary was one of the most successful folk music groups of the 1960s. Unlike most folk musicians of the early 1960s who were a part of the burgeoning music scene in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Travers grew up there. A contralto, Travers released five solo albums in addition to her work with Peter, Paul and Mary.
In the time of my confession, in the hour of my deepest need
When the pool of tears beneath my feet floods every newborn seed
There’s a dying voice within me reaching out somewhere
Toiling in the danger and the morals of despair
Of course nobody sings Dylan like Dylan.
Still, these cover versions are worth listening to.
When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love
“Make You Feel My Love” is a song written by Bob Dylan from his album Time Out of Mind (1997). It was first released commercially by Billy Joel, under the title “To Make You Feel My Love“, before Dylan’s version appeared later that same year. It has since been covered by numerous performers..
I’m a farmer with a mandolin and a high tenor voice.
~Bill Monroe
“To me there’s no difference between Muddy Waters and Bill Monroe.”
~Bob Dylan (to John Pareles, Sept 1997)
William Smith Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) was an American mandolinist, singer, and songwriter, who created the style of music known as bluegrass. Because of this, he is commonly referred to as the “Father of Bluegrass“.
