November 20: Bob Dylan 1st recording session for “Bob Dylan” in 1961

bob dylan album 1962

CBS is proud to introduce a major new figure in American folk music—Bob Dylan.
Excitement has been running high since the young man with a guitar ambled into a
recording studio for two sessions in November, 1961. For at only 20, Dylan is the most unusual
new talent in American folk music.
His talent takes many forms. He is one of the most compelling white blues singers ever
recorded. He is a songwriter of exceptional facility and cleverness. He is an uncommonly
skillful guitar player and harmonica player.
~Stacey Williams (“Bob Dylan” LP. liner notes – March 1962)

Dylan comes across as obsessed with the romance of dying, but the speed, energy and attack
in his guitar, harmonica and voice show how fresh and excellently ‘unprofessional’ he was.
…..
Yet what comes through from the album as a whole is a remarkable skill and more than a hint
of a highly distinctive vision.
~Michael Gray (The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia)

Wikipedia:

Released March 19, 1962
Recorded November 20 and 22, 1961,Columbia Recording Studio, New York City, New York, United States
Genre Folk
Length 36:54
Label Columbia
Producer John H. Hammond

Bob Dylan is the debut album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in March 1962 by Columbia Records. Produced by Columbia’s legendary talent scout John H. Hammond, who signed Dylan to the label, the album features folk standards, plus two original compositions, “Talkin’ New York” and “Song to Woody”.

bob dylan 1961 recording sessions

 





Studio A
Columbia Recording Studios
New York City, New York
20 November 1961
The Bob Dylan first recording session, produced by John Hammond

7-10 pm.

Bob Dylan (guitar, harmonica, vocal).

  1. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  2. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  3. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  4. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  5. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  6. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  7. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  8. You’re No Good (Jesse Fuller)
  9. Fixin’ To Die (Bukka White)
  10. Fixin’ To Die (Bukka White)
  11. Fixin’ To Die (Bukka White)
  12. He Was A Friend Of Mine
  13. He Was A Friend Of Mine
  14. House Of The Risin’ Sun (trad.)
  15. House Of The Risin’ Sun (trad.)
  16. House Of The Risin’ Sun (trad.)
  17. Talkin’ New York
  18. Talkin’ New York
  19. Song To Woody
  20. Song To Woody
  21. Baby Let Me Follow You Down (Eric von Schmidt)
  22. Man Of Constant Sorrow (trad.)
  23. In My Time Of Dyin’ (trad.)

bob dylan recording data 1961jpg

 

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-Egil