5 Mind-Blowing Bob Dylan Trivias You’ve Never Heard

Bob Dylan, an enigmatic legend in the world of music, has captivated audiences for decades with his poetic lyrics and distinctive voice. As an influential artist, his impressive discography and illustrious career have left a lasting impact on the music industry. However, there is more to Dylan than meets the eye, with intriguing stories and lesser-known facts that add to his mystique.

In this article, we will uncover five mind-blowing facts about Bob Dylan that you’ve likely never heard before. From surprising encounters with law enforcement to unexpected acts of generosity, these fascinating tidbits offer a unique insight into the life of a music icon and his relationships with other notable figures.

1. Bob Dylan Got Arrested For Looking Like An ‘Eccentric Old Man’

In 2009, one rainy day in Long Branch, New Jersey, Bob Dylan, soaked to the bone, wandered into a yard with a ‘For Sale’ sign. The home’s occupants, alarmed by the ‘eccentric-looking old man,’ called the police. In fact, one of the occupants got so curious that they followed Dylan as he continued walking down the street.

Soon afterward, a young officer named Kristie Buble arrived. Still, that wasn’t the end of the story, as she didn’t recognize the legendary artist and went to great lengths to confirm his identity before releasing him. She even asked him to get into the police car to drive him where he was staying so she could double-check his passport. Suffice it to say that she felt quite embarrassed afterward.

2. Bob Dylan Traded An Andy Warhol Masterpiece For A Sofa

In 1965, Bob Dylan visited Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory, where he was the subject of one of Warhol’s screen ‘tests.’ Dylan was given or took (depending on the account) a Warhol silkscreen from the ‘Silver Elvis’ series. The two artists had a tense meeting, with Dylan giving off an unresponsive vibe, possibly due to the influence of mutual acquaintance Edie Sedgwick and Dylan’s friend Bobby Neuwirth.

After leaving the Factory, Dylan reportedly treated the valuable Elvis artwork with disdain, with rumors of him hanging it upside down or using it as a dartboard. Despite these rumors, in a 1985 interview, Dylan admitted to making a rather unwise trade: he exchanged Andy Warhol’s ‘Elvis Presley’ painting for a sofa. He later regretted this decision and wished he could tell Warhol about his mistake and ask for another painting. Fun fact; Grossman’s widow sold the painting at auction for a reported $750,000.

3. He Didn’t Speak To Anyone For A Week After Elvis Presley’s Death

Elvis Presley’s death hit Dylan hard. He was at his Minnesota farm when he heard the news and subsequently went silent for a week. Dylan had once admitted that if it weren’t for Elvis and Hank Williams, he couldn’t have come so far in his career. Presley’s passing prompted Dylan to reflect on his life and led to a period of personal turmoil, eventually inspiring him to turn to Christianity for healing.

This silent tribute underscores the deep admiration Dylan had for Elvis and offers a glimpse into his emotional response to the loss of a fellow music icon. Elvis’s passing not only affected Dylan’s personal life but also had a lasting influence on his music, as he continued to honor the memory of the King of Rock and Roll through his songs and performances.

4. Johnny Cash Gave Bob Dylan His Guitar As A Symbol Of Respect

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash formed a lasting friendship after meeting in the ’60s. During the Newport Folk Festival, Johnny Cash gifted Dylan a treasured Martin guitar as a symbol of respect and admiration. Dylan admired Cash’s Sun Records recordings from the 1950s, while Cash became a fan of Dylan’s 1963 album, ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.’ The mutual admiration led to a correspondence and Cash including a Dylan song, ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,’ in his Newport set.

As Dylan transitioned from protest songs, Cash supported his friend’s creative direction. In February 1969, during the recording of Nashville Skyline, Cash and Dylan spent two days recording duets. Their rendition of ‘Girl from the North Country‘ appeared on the album, with Cash writing the Grammy-winning liner notes. Bob wrote ‘Wanted Man‘ for Johnny, which debuted during Cash’s performance at San Quentin prison. This enduring friendship between the two legendary musicians led to a fruitful collaboration and mutual support throughout their careers.

5. Bob Dylan Paid For Brian Jones’s Casket

Brian Jones, the founder of the Rolling Stones, was a close friend of Bob Dylan’s during his short life. The two even engaged in daily phone calls for a period of time. The producer of the documentary ‘Rolling Stone: Life and Death of Brian Jones’ discussed the duo’s friendship while speaking to Express UK in 2020.

Nick Reynolds revealed that both Brian and Dylan shared a sense of mutual admiration, as Brian believed he had encountered someone who truly understood and empathized with him. Both individuals were complex and sensitive, which likely contributed to their shared understanding.

After Brian’s untimely death at the age of 27, it’s alleged that Bob paid for the silver and bronze metal casket in which Jones was buried. The casket was placed in a 12 feet deep grave at Cheltenham cemetery, with concrete on top to prevent exhumation by trophy hunters.