The Story Behind the No. 1 Hit Written but Not Performed by Bob Dylan

One of the most surprising facts in the Bob Dylan canon is that he has never garnered a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. When one looks back at his illustrious and larger-than-life career, they would think a No. 1 hit on the chart would be a given. Clearly, it isn’t, as the contemporary bard never scored a No. 1 hit on the most infamous chart in the world.

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Bob Dylan might not have scored a No. 1 track himself, but one of his songs has. Why this is the case is an impossible question to answer. However, it sets up an interesting discussion regarding Dylan’s talents as both a songwriter and singer. Nonetheless, the Dylan song to reach No. 1 under a different band is “Mr. Tambourine Man” by The Byrds.

The No. 1 Song Belonging to Bob Dylan

The song to garner Bob Dylan’s talents a No. 1 hit is the 1965 classic, “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Released by Dylan in 1965 on his album, Bringing It All Back Home, Dylan’s rendition saw very little chart success. That being so, Dylan’s song previously launched at the hands of the folk-rock band, The Byrds.

In January of 1965, The Byrds were newly signed artists to Columbia Records. Consequently, they were able to get their hands on an unreleased demo version of Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Controversially, The Byrds recorded Dylan’s original song before he even got a chance to record it for his upcoming album, Bringing It All Back Home. Although, this somewhat immoral act would go on to benefit Dylan’s songwriting reputation immensely, as The Byrds took the song all the way to No.1. Something that Dylan was never able to achieve during his heyday or after it.

When The Byrds released “Mr. Tambourine Man” on April 12, 1965, they became a household name within a week. Upon its release, the song not only peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also reached No. 1 in the UK. To this day, it is the only Bob Dylan song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Frankly, if it wasn’t for this collaboration, Dylan wouldn’t have a No. 1 hit and The Byrds might have never launched. So, even if the hit isn’t in Bob Dylan’s name, the world of music is better off for it.

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