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Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Dylan of the Day : Big Joe Williams and harp by Bob Dylan

 

Photo: Bob and Victoria Spivey

A very young Bob Dylan had been impressed with Big Joe Williams’ performances and began a kind of musical partnership with Williams when Big Joe was booked in the fall of 1961 by Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records, at Gerde’s Folk City in New York City. 


Joe performed regularly during a two week period with Dylan frequently sitting in. They were billed as Big Joe and Little Joe, or Joe Junior. Len Kunstadt was subsequently talked into letting Dylan play for some of Williams’ studio sessions by his wife, Victoria Spivey. 


These sides were later released on an album featuring tracks by Victoria, Lonnie Johnson, and Roosevelt Sykes entitled Three Kings and a Queen. Dylan played harp behind Williams driving guitar and raspy vocals on “Sitting on Top of the World” and “Wichita”.


“I think one of the best records that I’ve ever been a part of was the record made with Big Joe Williams and Victoria Spivey. It amazes me that I was there and had done that.


Bob Dylan , Rolling Stone Magazine, November 22, 2001


where you will have seen them before. A young (sic!) Bobby with Victoria Spivey



That's where it’s at ⬇️


posted on Deborah Roldan’s Facebook page

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