1979, Slow Train Coming
Dylan marked the end of the decade by making some major changes to his life and career. He embraced Christianity, spent several months in Bible school and recorded a gospel album.
John Wilson looks back to 1979 when once again Bob Dylan marked the end of a decade by making some major changes in his life and career. He embraced Christianity, spent several months in Bible School and recorded a Gospel album, Slow Train Coming. When he tried to evangelize Jerry Wexler in the studio, the wily producer replied 'Bob, you're dealing with a sixty-two-year-old confirmed Jewish atheist. I'm hopeless. Let's just make an album'.
To the frustration of some of his fans, subsequent concerts were all-Gospel events. Dylan refused to play any of his old material, tended to give sermons between songs - even dismissing hecklers who demanded rock-n-roll with the words. 'You wanna rock-n-roll you can go down and rock-n-roll. You can go see Kiss and you rock-n-roll all your way down to the pit.'.
More episodes
Credit
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Producer | Frank Wilson |