In 1965, The Byrds scored a number one turning Bob Dylan into a rock band. Only one member played on it
The Byrds’ folk-rock version of Bob Dylan’s ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ became a number one hit in 1965 and helped inspire Dylan to explore electric rock. The article says the cover’s sound impressed Dylan, showing how another artist’s interpretation influenced his own musical direction.
Roger McGuinn reshaped the song from a straight 2/4 groove into 4/4, making it more danceable. Although the recording was released as a Byrds track, McGuinn was the only band member to play on it; session musicians from the Wrecking Crew, including drummer Hal Blaine, supplied the other parts.
In short
- The Byrds’ cover of ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ reached number one in 1965.
- Roger McGuinn was the only Byrd who played on the recording.
- The arrangement helped inspire Dylan to embrace electric rock.