Bob Dylan shares the one book to read if you want to ‘know about the ’60s’

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A selection of books will help you “know about the 1960s,” according to veteran musician Bob Dylan.

The legendary performer is synonymous with the folk protest of the 60s and has since become one of the most recognisable figures from the decade. He, along with The Beatles, The Who, and Elvis Presley, is among some of rock and roll’s most recognisable faces. For those who want to learn more about the decade, Dylan suggested a series of books should be read, and that he was not the best person to ask for firsthand accounts of the 60s. He said he can remember some parts “very clearly” though other moments are “a kinda blur”. Instead, Dylan relies on a few quality books from a selection of writers, including one writer who heavily influenced the Mr. Tambourine Man performer.

Speaking in December 1985 in a surprisingly candid interview, Dylan suggested a few books were a must-read for those wanting to understand the decade. Books about Dylan in the 60s have also been written, though the songwriter suggests reading the likes of Marshall McLuhan instead.

He said at the time: “People ask me about the ’60s all the time. That’s the first thing they want to know. I say, if you want to know about the ’60s, read Armies of the Night by Norman Mailer, or read Marshall McLuhan or Abraham Maslow.

“A lot of people have written about the ’60s in an exciting way and have told the truth. The singers were just a part of it. I can’t tell them that much. Certain things I can remember very clearly. Others are a kinda blur, but where I was and what was happening I can focus in on if I’m forced to.

“Of course, there are people who can remember in vivid detail. Ginsberg has that talent and Kerouac had that talent to a great degree. Kerouac never forgot anything, so he could write anything because he could just remember.”

Dylan had a series of other recommendations for his fans, too, suggesting he lifted much of Miles Davis’ stage presence in his live performances through the 1980s. He said: “Miles Davis is my definition of cool.

“I loved to see him in the small clubs playing his solo, turn his back on the crowd, put down his horn and walk off the stage, let the band keep playing, and then come back and play a few notes at the end. I did that at a couple of shows. The audience thought I was sick or something.”

It is something Dylan does to this day, with very little, if any words, to the audience on recent shows. The Outlaw Music Festival tour is set to continue, as is the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, the latter of which will conclude September 19.