Two crumpled sheets of yellowed stationery have provided a rare look into the creative process of Bob Dylan, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Early drafts of his 1965 hit Mr. Tambourine Man sold for more than $500,000 this weekend, according to Julien’s Auctions, which facilitated the sale.
These delicate drafts were part of a broader collection of Dylan memorabilia from the 1960s, including photographs, sketches, and other personal artifacts. The collection originated from Al Aronowitz, a renowned journalist who chronicled the music icons of his era, including Dylan. Aronowitz’s extensive archive, preserved by his son Myles Aronowitz, has become a treasure trove of cultural history.
For Dylan enthusiasts, the drafts represent an extraordinary window into the artist’s songwriting process. The revisions and notes offer a glimpse of how Dylan meticulously crafted one of his most famous works. Richard Thomas, a Harvard professor who studies Dylan’s writing, described the discovery as a testament to the “mechanics of genius.”
Aronowitz’s personal accounts add depth to the story. In a 1973 column, he recalled Dylan crafting Mr. Tambourine Man one night at his New Jersey home. Dylan worked at a breakfast bar, typing on a portable typewriter while Marvin Gaye’s Can I Get a Witness? played on a loop. Aronowitz later retrieved discarded drafts from the trash, preserving them as part of his extensive collection.
This sale is just one chapter in the ongoing fascination with Dylan’s legacy. The drafts not only highlight his creative brilliance but also underscore the value of preserving cultural artifacts. Myles Aronowitz plans to organize another auction but ultimately hopes to donate his father’s archive to a museum or library.
Dylan, who has remained in the spotlight for decades, has recently been making headlines again. The release of the biopic A Complete Unknown, which chronicles his rise to fame in 1960s New York, has reignited interest in his early career. Meanwhile, Dylan stirred curiosity this week by joining TikTok, posting a wry video clip just as the platform faces potential shutdown in the U.S.
The $500,000 sale of these drafts underscores the enduring cultural and historical significance of Bob Dylan’s work. As new generations explore his contributions, relics like these continue to cement his place as a cornerstone of modern music and storytelling.