The singer Bob Dylan thought no one has touched: “Not me or anyone else”
There is no denying the musical and literary power held by Bob Dylan. The definitive voice of the 1960s counterculture age, Dylan’s music and writing typified that revolutionary period, and his work over the years has seen the folk hero explore countless different themes and musical styles. Words and lyrics written by Dylan on tracks like ‘The Times Are A-Changin’’ have echoed through the corridors of modern history, yet his vocal style itself is not often noted for its technical range or ability.
Dylan has often attracted criticism and mockery for his unique vocal delivery. Admittedly, his strained, nasal voice pales in comparison to many other folk artists of the 1960s and beyond. Figures like Joan Baez, Bridget St John, or Vashti Bunyan had that folk authenticity that Dylan held, but they also possessed deeply affecting and skilled musical voices, which the Minnesota-born songwriter never really caught on to. Nevertheless, there is a certain power to Dylan’s voice and performance, even if his singing ability leaves a little to be desired.
After all, the appeal of Dylan always lies within the words he is saying rather than the way he says them. Even still, there are multiple instances where the folk singer displayed impressive singing abilities and deeply emotional vocal performances – as in ‘Mama You’ve Been On My Mind’, for instance. In more recent years, Dylan has thrown himself more readily into this side of his musical career.
This choice became most notable on Dylan’s 2015 record Shadows in the Night, when the songwriter chose to record standards popularised by Frank Sinatra. Although the record was a fairly controversial choice, given that—as we have established—Bob Dylan’s broad appeal comes from his lyricism rather than performance, the final product was fairly commendable and demonstrated Dylan’s deep appreciation for Sinatra.
Despite Shadows in the Night seeing Dylan attempt to embrace the spirit of Sinatra, he was very careful not to attract any false equivalences with the crooner. Speaking to AARP The Magazine at the time of the album’s release, Dylan expressly refuted any comparisons he might draw to Sinatra. “Comparing me with Frank Sinatra? You must be joking,” he exclaimed.
“To be mentioned in the same breath as him must be some sort of high compliment,” Dylan continued, adding: “As far as touching him goes, nobody touches him. Not me or anyone else.” This seems a particularly unexpected angle for Dylan to embrace, as he largely represented to opposite end of the musical spectrum to Sinatra, who was always very grandiose and politically conservative.
Nevertheless, Sinatra was inarguably one of America’s defining voices during the 20th century. His distinctive voice and Rat Pack persona gained Sinatra a widespread audience that went largely unparalleled during his lifetime. Seemingly, the appeal of the vocalist was so broad that it could simultaneously appeal to mainstream audiences in Las Vegas, and a revolutionary folk artist like Bob Dylan.
There is an ongoing trend within modern music that, as they grow older, classic artists like Bob Dylan tend to lean further into their more unexpected influences. His Sinatra covers album might have been a relatively recent project, but it seems clear that his appreciation for ol’ blue eyes goes back much farther than the Shadows in the Night.
Never Miss A Tale
The Far Out Bob Dylan Newsletter
All the latest stories about Bob Dylan from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.