Did Dylan ever comment on Hendrix's version of his "Watchtower"?

[Mangosteen]

Just wondering if Bob Dylan ever gave his thoughts on Jimi Hendrix’s version of All Along The Watchtower.

[MPB_in_Salt_Lake]

I don’t remember where I heard it, but apparently Bob Dylan said something to the effect of “That is how this song should sound like.” upon hearing Hendrix’s re-working of it.

High praise, coming from Bob Dylan, usually not known for commenting on the various covers of his songs…

[appleciders]

I believe that Dylan loved Hendrix’s cover; he has commented that since hearing it, he has adopted some of Hendrix’s technique and interpretation of the song.

[Taomist]

Thanks for asking, and answering; it makes me warm and fuzzy to know Bob liked the remake, 'cause I really like them both and this is neat to know.

[42fish]

For a specific quote, from the liner notes to the ‘Biograph’ box set:

“I liked Jimi Hendrix’s record of this and ever since he died I’ve being doing it that way… Strange though how when I sing it I always feel it’s a tribute to him in some kind of way.”

[Ichbin_Dubist]

The version with The Band on Before the Flood (1974 or so) always sounded like an explicit tribute to me. I think the CD is out of print but you can hear the track (or part of it) on Amazon.

[fumster]

@Ichbin_Dubist

The version with The Band on Before the Flood (1974 or so) always sounded like an explicit tribute to me. I think the CD is out of print but you can hear the track (or part of it) on Amazon.

So why are you so famous they did it as a tribute to you?

[astorian]

@appleciders

I believe that Dylan loved Hendrix’s cover; he has commented that since hearing it, he has adopted some of Hendrix’s technique and interpretation of the song.

I never heard him SAY anything, but you’re right- when Bob performs the song live with his own band, he usually does it in Hendrix’s style, rather than in his own, original style.

That says more than any comment could.

[mrklutz]

I always figured he must have commented on it at some point, but that no one could understand what he said.

[Sigmundex]

I think he mumbled something to Chumlee about it while he was signing the album cover for him.

@mrklutz

I always figured he must have commented on it at some point, but that no one could understand what he said.

[DxZero]

@42fish

For a specific quote, from the liner notes to the ‘Biograph’ box set:

“I liked Jimi Hendrix’s record of this and ever since he died I’ve being doing it that way… Strange though how when I sing it I always feel it’s a tribute to him in some kind of way.”

The Wiki article about it expands the quote a bit which I think demostrates just how much Dylan respected the version.

Dylan has described his reaction to hearing Hendrix’s version: “It overwhelmed me, really. He had such talent, he could find things inside a song and vigorously develop them. He found things that other people wouldn’t think of finding in there. He probably improved upon it by the spaces he was using. I took license with the song from his version, actually, and continue to do it to this day.”[25] In the booklet accompanying his Biograph album, Dylan said: “I liked Jimi Hendrix’s record of this and ever since he died I’ve been doing it that way… Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it’s a tribute to him in some kind of way.”

Pretty strong statement that the guy who wrote and originally a song actually feels emotionally moved by another’s rendition of it. Speaks to Hendrix’s ability and Dylan’s humility and respect. I quite admire that Dylan would come out and say that and this is coming from someone who is not Bob Dylan fanboy by any means.