Drafts of “Mr. Tambourine Man” Break Records
Bob Dylan’s original typed drafts of his 1965 classic Mr. Tambourine Man were sold for £417,000 at a Nashville auction. These drafts, spanning three progressive versions, included handwritten annotations. The two yellow sheets of paper were auctioned on Saturday, initially valued between $400,000 and $600,000. However, the final sale price exceeded expectations, reaching $508,000 (£417,000).
These drafts were part of a larger collection of 60 items auctioned at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Of these, 50 items came from the personal archive of Al Aronowitz, a renowned music journalist and close associate of Dylan. In fact, Aronowitz discovered the drafts in 1964, crumpled in a bin after Dylan worked on them at his New Jersey home.
Rare Artwork and Instruments Capture Attention
Beyond the lyrics, the auction showcased Dylan’s artistry in other forms. For instance, a 1968 oil painting by Dylan sold for $260,000. This bold, cubist-style artwork marked one of Dylan’s first ventures into visual art. It was a gift from his first wife, Sara, who had given him oil paints for his 27th birthday, sparking his interest in painting.
Additionally, a 1983 Fender Telecaster electric guitar, once owned and played by Dylan, fetched $222,250. Dylan had given the guitar to Cesar Diaz, a respected amplifier technician and musician. Remarkably, the instrument surpassed its initial estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.
Moreover, Dylan’s sketches also drew significant interest. For example, one drawing on a Plaza Hotel memo pad was estimated at $1,500 to $2,500 but sold for an impressive $88,900.
Auction Highlights Dylan’s Enduring Legacy
The auction celebrated Dylan’s multifaceted contributions to culture. A Levi’s denim jacket, adorned with lace and patches, sold for $25,400. Dylan wore this jacket in the 1987 film Hearts of Fire. Furthermore, other noteworthy items included a signed harmonica, vintage photographs, and a handbill from his 1963 performance at Town Hall in New York City.
Julien’s Auctions co-founder Martin Nolan called the event a “fantastic auction with outstanding sales.” He further emphasized the deep admiration for Dylan’s work, which transcends generations. “This collection highlights Dylan’s extraordinary impact on music, art, and culture,” Nolan said.
In total, the 60-item collection brought in nearly $1.5 million. From iconic lyrics to rare collectibles, the auction reaffirmed Dylan’s place as a cultural and artistic icon.