About the song
The Byrds – Mr. Tambourine Man is a song that was released as a single in April 1965 and as the title track of the band’s debut album in June 1965. It is a cover version of a song written by Bob Dylan, who also recorded it for his album Bringing It All Back Home in 1965. The Byrds’ version of the song is widely considered to be the first folk rock hit, as it combined the jangly sound of Jim McGuinn’s 12-string Rickenbacker guitar with the band’s complex harmony singing and Dylan’s poetic lyrics. The song reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, and established the Byrds as an internationally successful act.
The Byrds’ version of Mr. Tambourine Man differs from Dylan’s original in several ways. The Byrds shortened the song by omitting two of the original four verses, and changed the key from C major to D major. They also added a distinctive guitar riff that was inspired by the Beatles’ song I Want to Hold Your Hand. The Byrds’ producer Terry Melcher hired session musicians from the Wrecking Crew to play on the recording, as he was not confident in the band’s abilities at the time. Only McGuinn played his own instrument, while the rest of the band members only contributed vocals.
The song has been praised by critics and musicians for its musical and cultural impact. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential songs of the 1960s, and has been included in several lists of the greatest songs of all time. It has also been covered by many artists, such as Judy Collins, William Shatner, Stevie Wonder, Crowded House, and Bruce Springsteen.
Oldies Music