Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson are two of the most celebrated and prolific songwriters in their respective genres. Both have inspired artists with their words and deeds over the course of a pair of long and storied careers. While they are from seemingly different worlds, the two legends share a deep respect for one another.
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Back in 1993, Nelson held his 60th birthday celebration at WRLU Studios in Austin, Texas. The all-star concert later became a television special and live album titled The lineup for Willie Nelson: The Big 6-0. The lineup included Dylan, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, and many more.
In one of the highlights of the evening, Nelson and Dylan shared the stage to perform “Pancho and Lefty.” Additionally, the “Blowin’ in the Wind” songwriter took some time to candidly share his thoughts about Nelson.
Bob Dylan Shares His Honest Thoughts on Willie Nelson
In a brief interview segment between songs, Bob Dylan shared his opinion on Willie Nelson as a singer, songwriter, and musician.
“He’s like a philosopher-poet,” Dylan said of Nelson’s songwriting. “He gets to the heart of it in a quick way, gets it out, and it’s over. He just leaves the listener to think about it,” he added.
Dylan also shared his thoughts on Nelson’s prowess as a singer, comparing him to another American legend. “He takes whatever thing he’s singing and makes it his. There’s not many people who can do that,” he opined. “Even when it’s something like an Elvis tune. Once Elvis has done a tune, it’s pretty much done. Willie is the only one, in my recollection, who has taken something associated with Elvis and made it his. He just puts his whole trip on it,” he said.
Many people celebrate Nelson for his singing and songwriting. However, many fans and critics overlook his skills on guitar. Influenced by artists like Django Reinhardt, the Red-Headed Stranger’s playing leans more into jazz than many of his contemporaries. At the same time, he plays a nylon string guitar with a pick, creating a unique sound. Dylan took notice of this. “His guitar playing is really pretty phenomenal,” he said. “I really don’t ever see anybody giving him any credit as a musician. In my book, he’s up there at the top.”
Fans can sing Nelson’s praises all day long but it doesn’t carry quite as much weight as the words of one of the most celebrated songwriters of the 20th century.
Featured Image by L. Cohen/WireImage for NBC Universal Photo Department
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