Bob Dylan was a huge fan of Elvis Presley. He has said that when he first heard Elvis’ voice, he knew that he wanted to be a musician. He was particularly impressed by Elvis’ ability to transform popular music, and he credited Elvis with inspiring him to pursue a career in rock and roll.
Dylan even covered one of Elvis’ songs, “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” on his 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
In later years, Dylan’s admiration for Elvis only grew stronger. He said that Elvis was “the first one that really got me rockin’,” and that he was “the most important figure in American music.” He also said that he was “honored” when Elvis covered his song “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Elvis Presley released his cover of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” in 1962. The song was originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan in 1960.
Dylan and Elvis never met in person, but they were both aware of each other’s work. In 1966, Dylan was invited to perform at Elvis’ Las Vegas show, but he declined. He later said that he didn’t want to meet Elvis because he didn’t want to see him “in that environment.”
Despite never meeting, Dylan and Elvis’ shared love of music created a bond between them. Dylan’s admiration for Elvis was genuine and lasting, and it is clear that Elvis had a profound impact on Dylan’s life and career.
In 1977, Elvis died of a heart attack at the age of 42. Dylan was deeply saddened by his death, and he said that he “felt like I had lost a friend.” He also wrote a song about Elvis’ death, called “When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky.”
“When I first heard Elvis’ voice I just knew that I wasn’t going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail.” – Bob Dylan
Cansu Demir
