Draft lyrics to Bob Dylan's 'Mr. Tambourine Man' sell for $508K at auction
Briefly

Dylan sat 'with my portable typewriter at my white formica breakfast bar in a swirl of chain-lit cigaret smoke, his bony, long-nailed fingers tapping the words out.' This scene vividly captures the creative energy and atmosphere in which the iconic lyrics of 'Mr. Tambourine Man' were born, illustrating the intimate connection between the artist and his craft in a personal setting.
The typewritten lyrics, spanning three drafts, were written on yellow paper and included Dylan's annotations. This detail highlights the evolution of these lyrics, showing substantial differences even in the final draft, emphasizing the artistic process behind one of Dylan's most famous songs.
The auction of nearly 60 Dylan items generated approximately $1.5 million, showcasing not only the enduring legacy of Bob Dylan but also the significant collector interest tied to music memorabilia, particularly works from his personal history.
Dylan's 1965 hit was a cultural milestone, marking his first composition to achieve No. 1 status in both the United States and the United Kingdom, a testament to his influence in music history.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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