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.
Explained simply
The Byrds were an American band who combined folk music with the louder sound of rock. Bob Dylan was a folk singer and songwriter whose songs were often performed by other musicians as well as by him.
In the mid-1960s, bands began bringing electric instruments into music associated with folk. The Byrds’ recording of Dylan’s song helped show how a new arrangement could give a folk song a different sound and audience.
The recording was released under the Byrds’ name, though guitarist Roger McGuinn was the only band member who played on it; session musicians provided the other parts. Its success mattered because Dylan heard the version and was influenced by its rock sound.