John Wesley Harding

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

John Wesley Harding was released in late December 1967 on Columbia Records, produced by Bob Johnston. It was Bob Dylan's first album after three records of abstract, blues-influenced rock. It was recorded in Nashville in the autumn of 1967, in less than twelve hours spread over three sessions. While he was making the Basement Tapes with the Band, Dylan chose different songs for this record.

The accompaniment is remarkably sparse: only drummer Kenneth Buttrey and bassist Charlie McCoy join Dylan's guitar, harmonica and voice. In a year when psychedelia dominated pop culture, the album was seen as contrarian. Dylan asked Columbia for no publicity and no single was released. Even so it sold well and its reputation grew. All Along the Watchtower became one of his best-known songs after Jimi Hendrix released it in 1968.

Listening

Track list

1. 1John Wesley Harding3:01Apple Music ↗
2. 2As I Went Out One Morning2:52Apple Music ↗
3. 3I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine3:55Apple Music ↗
4. 4All Along the Watchtower2:35Apple Music ↗
5. 5The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest5:35Apple Music ↗
6. 6Drifter's Escape2:49Apple Music ↗
7. 7Dear Landlord3:19Apple Music ↗
8. 8I Am a Lonesome Hobo3:24Apple Music ↗
9. 9I Pity the Poor Immigrant4:16Apple Music ↗
10. 10The Wicked Messenger2:06Apple Music ↗
11. 11Down Along the Cove2:25Apple Music ↗
12. 12I'll Be Your Baby Tonight2:38Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗