3 Times Johnny Cash Covered Bob Dylan—and (Nearly) Outdid Dylan

Thanks to the recent release of the Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Uknown, folks have been reminded of the tight-knit relationship between Dylan and Johnny Cash. As portrayed in the movie, Dylan and Cash were pen pals, musical companions, and rebels in their own right. That being so, Cash often covered Dylan’s earlier songs and the two collaborated on Dylan’s “Girl From The North Country.” However, you all probably knew that.

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Given their relationship and the fondness they have for each other, Johnny Cash covered Bob Dylan on numerous occasions. To some, Cash’s renditions were sometimes better than Dylan’s originals. That being so, here are three Johnny Cash Bob Dylan covers that are nearly better than Dylan himself.

“Blowin In The Wind”

In 1992, an older and less spry Johnny Cash performed Dylan’s protest song “Blowin’ In The Wind” on The David Letterman Show. Prior to this performance, Cash performed and covered a plethora of other Bob Dylan staples. However, this was Cash’s first time performing this song live in front of an audience.

Despite the public performance experience Cash had with the song, he still played it as if it were his own. Cash’s bellowing voice pairs with Dylan’s lyrics exceptionally well and arguably adds a tonal conviction the song somewhat lacked previously.

“Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright”

As depicted in the film, Johnny Cash performed several of Dylan’s hits at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964. Frankly, it was “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” and The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album that made Cash become so enamored with Dylan and his writing.

Given his musical affinity for the man, Cash took to the stage and gave his first public performance of Dylan’s classic 1963 song. Instead of playing Dylan’s arrangement, Cash changed the music entirely and switched out Dylan’s fast-paced picking pattern for a slow strumming rhythm. It is a must-watch and listen, as the song takes on a whole new energy thanks to Johnny Cash.

“It Ain’t Me Babe”

Performed as a duet with June Carter Cash, the Cash spouse completely turns Dylan’s melancholic break-up song into a Nashville country music staple. Thanks to the shuffling rhythm of the guitars, the railroad harmonica, and the booming trumpets, the song sounds nothing like Dylan’s original. However, that’s what makes it so good.

Released on the album, Carry On With Johnny Cash & June Carter in 1964, the song instantaneously became the No. 1 song of the album. Matter of fact, the single peaked at No. 4 on the Hot Country Singles chart following its release.

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