Bob Dylan’s First Demo Tape Auction Brings Boston to Life

News Summary

Boston is buzzing with excitement as Bob Dylan’s first demo tape from 1961 hits the auction block. The historic artifact, recorded at Gaslight Café, features six tracks showcasing Dylan’s early artistry. This rare piece of music history is up for grabs via RR Auction, and the bidding currently stands at $21,675. The auction also includes a treasure trove of Dylan memorabilia, making this event a must-see for music enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Boston Buzzing as Bob Dylan’s First Demo Tape Hits Auction Block

The vibrant city of Boston is on the edge of excitement as a piece of musical history comes up for grabs—Bob Dylan’s very first demo tape from 1961! This rare find shines a spotlight on a time when a young Dylan was just starting to make his mark in the world of folk music.

A Slice of History

Back in the early ’60s, Dylan settled in Greenwich Village, rubbing elbows with fellow artists like Dave Van Ronk and Terri Thal, who took on the role of his first manager at just 20 years old. With dreams of making it big, Thal worked tirelessly to find gigs for Dylan, which is no small feat given his relative obscurity at the time.

On September 6, 1961, a pivotal moment took place at the Gaslight Café when Dylan recorded this iconic demo tape featuring six memorable tracks. The songs included are: “He Was a Friend of Mine,” “Talkin’ Bear Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues,” “Song to Woody,” “Old Man,” “Pretty Polly,” and “Car, Car.” Each of these tracks showcases the emerging artistry of a musician who would go on to redefine American music.

The Struggle for Recognition

After the demo was recorded, Thal eagerly took it to Springfield, Massachusetts, hoping to impress club bookers with Dylan’s talent. However, the reception wasn’t quite what they’d hoped for, with initial rejections rolling in. One booker even went so far as to liken Dylan to Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, remarking that people were unfamiliar with Dylan’s name. It’s hard to believe now that the man who produced such legendary music faced challenges right at the start!

However, Thal’s perseverance proved pivotal when she finally snagged Dylan a gig at Gerde’s Folk City, which turned out to be the springboard for his legendary career. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Auction Details

Now, the fascinating demo tape is officially up for auction by RR Auction in Boston, with a current bid already at an impressive $21,675. This isn’t just any old tape; it’s a 1/4-inch Reeves Soundcraft Plus-100 reel-to-reel audio tape recorded using an Ampex recorder—quite the artifact for collectors and fans alike!

Thanks to a digital transfer by sound engineer Steve Addabbo, the clarity of the recording has been significantly enhanced, making it an even more enticing piece for anyone looking to own a slice of musical history.

A Treasure Trove of Memorabilia

This auction isn’t limited to just the demo tape; it includes a treasure trove of Dylan memorabilia. Imagine owning a Hohner Marine Band harmonica that Dylan used during his 1966 tour or Bob Neuwirth’s beautiful Martin D-41 acoustic guitar from the legendary Rolling Thunder Revue. There’s even a Nudie suit from the iconic ‘Night of the Hurricane II’ concert.

Aside from instruments, the auction includes a touching photograph of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash backstage, as well as other unique items like a mixed media painting titled “Cassandra,” signed lyrics for the classic “All Along the Watchtower,” and even a coloring book page signed by Dylan himself!

As the Countdown Begins

Titled the “Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth Auction,” bidding will close on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. So, if you’re clamoring to own a piece of this rich musical history, the time to act is now! Boston is buzzing with excitement and who knows—maybe you could walk away with a piece of the legend that is Bob Dylan. Happy bidding!

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Additional Resources

• Boston.com: One of Bob Dylan’s Earliest Recordings Up for Auction
• The New York Times: Dylan Auction
• Boston Globe: A Complete Unknown Review – Bob Dylan
• CBS News: Bob Dylan’s Music Comes to the Boston Stage
• Boston Herald: Timothée Chalamet Recreates Bob Dylan’s Rise
• Wikipedia: Bob Dylan
• Google Search: Bob Dylan auction