John Prine and Bob Dylan: A Story of Mutual Admiration and Influence
Did John Prine Admire Bob Dylan as Much as Dylan says he admired Prine?
Yes. In fact, one could argue that to truly appreciate Dylan's genius, you'd have to be as good as John Prine. And the feeling seems to be mutual, as they both recognized each other's talents.
I have the impression that John Prine did admire Bob Dylan, and I believe this mutual respect and admiration went beyond just being fans. One aspect of this admiration is that Dylan himself identified Prine as one of his three primary musical influences, alongside Hank Williams Sr.
John Prine as an Influence
Prine's third influence isn't immediately remembered, but his admiration for Dylan is palpable. While Bob Dylan's favorite John Prine song is ldquo;Lake Marie,rdquo; it's clear that the two had a deep respect for each other's work. Prine once expressed that Dylan had a tremendous influence on his music, just as it would have for any singer-songwriter in the 1960s and 1970s. He stated, ldquo;Many of the great singer-songwriters we have today would have been different artists if it wasn't for their influences.rdquo;
Mutual Admiration
The mutual admiration between the two artists is evident in their interactions and how they portrayed each other's work. While Prine's admiration for Dylan was well-established, Dylan's respect for Prine is also clear. In their interviews, both Prine and Dylan expressed deep admiration for each other. This admiration extended to acknowledging the profound influence one had on the other's work.
John Prine's Influence on Dylan
Interestingly, Bob Dylan covered John Prine in 1991, reflecting his belief in Prine's music. Dylan's decision to perform Prine's songs speaks to the esteem he holds for the musician. It's a testament to the level of respect and recognition that existed between the two artists.
Meeting Bob Dylan - A Personal Moment
One anecdote that showcases the mutual respect is when John Prine talked about his meeting with Bob Dylan at Carly Simon's apartment. This meeting highlighted the connection between the two artists, emphasizing the depth of their admiration for each other's work.
John Prine's admiration for Bob Dylan and Dylan's respect for Prine together paint a picture of a mutual admiration and respect that transcended their musical era. Their work, though distinct, reflects a shared appreciation for the craft, and their influence on each other cannot be overstated.
Conclusion
While John Prine and Bob Dylan were two of America's greatest singer-songwriters, their mutual admiration and influence on each other can be seen as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and respect within the music community.