He changed the singer-songwriter game and inspired multiple generations of folk-rock musicians and protest singers. And, of course, the man has decent musical taste. Let’s take a look at just three songs that Bob Dylan has said he loves! One of these tracks is a clear inspiration for The Bard as well.
1. “Fourth Street Positively” by Johnny Rivers
Bob Dylan said in his memoir that he has heard quite a few covers of his own songs. However, there’s one cover that ranks as his all-time favorite: Johnny Rivers’ version of “Positively 4th Street” from 1968.
Dylan said: “Of all the versions of my recorded songs, Johnny Rivers’ was my favorite,” he said. “It was obvious that we were from the same side of town, had read the same citations, came from the same musical family, and were cut from the same cloth.”
What a compliment. Fun fact: The Beatles almost recorded a version of this song for so be itbut they never finished it.
2. “Pretty Maids in a Row” by Eagles
Bob Dylan may not seem like your typical Eagles fan, but he’s actually a fan of the 1976 rock song “Pretty Maids All In A Row.” In a New York Times interview a while back, Dylan listed a few of his favorite Eagles songs. “Life In The Fast Lane” and “New Kid In Town” are on his list. He took it one step further and said that “Pretty Maids All In A Row” was “one of the best songs ever.”
Joe Walsh of the Eagles once said that this song was very important to the band, and was also a “sad” reflection of life. A whole generation of fans recognized the connection in the song’s lyrics, and it has since become a fan favorite.
3. “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell
Of all the songs Bob Dylan has said he loves, this is the one he makes so much of meaning. He also had some direct, concise and powerful things to say about Glen Campbell’s 1968 country-pop song “Wichita Lineman.”
“The greatest song ever written,” Dylan said of the song.
“Wichita Lineman” was originally written by Jimmy Webb but was first performed by Glen Campbell. It makes perfect sense why Dylan loved it so much, and why other listeners should show it some respect. This track succeeded in capturing the essence of American life in the 1960s in a way that was musically relevant and lyrically spiritual. At the very least, every fan of the country should know that.
Photo by California State University/Everett/Shutterstock Archives
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