Bob Dylan is Dead

Album: Marvin Country! (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is one of several tunes that former Lone Justice bassist Marvin Etzioni wrote about his former music heroes for his 2013 solo double album, Marvin Country! He told us that he "started writing that song in the '80s," inspired by a review of one of Dylan's albums. "And they just really tore it to shreds," he added. "I thought, you know what, God forbid if anything should happen to Dylan. Whoever wrote that article would not want to be remembered writing that. I mean, he just accomplished so much. Who cares if this album's not your favorite, you know? It might be in 20 years. He's that kind of guy, he's that kind of artist."
  • The song was originally cut in a guitar version in D, but Etzioni felt it was a bit low, so he re-recorded it with added mandolin and The Angel City Chorale. He drafted in his friend, Willie Aron to co-produce the tune with him and direct the choir, then, " we just cut that live in the studio."
  • Etzioni got to work with Bob Dylan in the mid 1980s when Lone Justice did one of his songs, "Go Away Little Boy" and the folk legend contributed to the recording. Etzioni told us that he's "I ran into him a couple of times since then. It's always nice running into him and talking about stuff."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.