Bob Dylan's First Recorded Concert (Indian Neck Folk Festival) [May 6, 1961]

This is a very special upload. There are other recordings floating around the internet, but this audio is the highest quality. I ripped it off a vinyl bootleg, then edited out the background noise with audio software.

This show was recorded at the Montowesi Hotel in Branford, CT on May 6, 1961. It is one of Dylan's first public concerts, and the earliest live recording of him in existence. This concert is also historical because it's where Dylan met Bob Neuwirth, his sidekick for many years.

All of the photographs are from the very day it was recorded.

Enjoy this gem while you can!

[ferociousgumby]

He was nineteen years old. A teenager. Now, SIXTY years later, he's still recording brilliant original songs.

[mowwwe]

I was there...Branford ct...saw him play...1961

[pablograssdestroyerofass]

0:00 - Talkin' Columbia
3:56 - Hangknot, Slipknot
9:06 - Talkin' Fish Blues

[oliveeisner]

Unbelievable. Thank you so much. This is just so.. oh God I'm getting emotional. I hope he lives to be 100.

[Tmonkjazz]

Holy crap, man! I’ve heard a lot of rare Dylan in this very seasoned life, but you’re pulling out stuff I never heard about, let alone listened to. You’re my new hero. Thank you!

[Anthony-hurj]

Just think, he'd only left Minnesota 3 1/2 months before this was recorded!

[christiandaun]

MAY 6, 1961
Branford, CT
Montowesi Hotel
Indian Neck Folk Festival

Talking Columbia
Hangknot, Slipknot
Talking Fish Blues

[trmoody]

This is Fantastic!!!....I grew up in this neighborhood 2 minutes down the road from this venue.Haaaa!!!People always said Bob Dylan played here, , and I found it hard to believe, but here’s the proof

[tomdale]

Will Rogers and Woody Guthrie thru the soul of Bob Dylan...a incredible journey thats still forever unfolding another side of a phenomenal song and dance performer...txs for sharing

[redsky]

Foundations that made Dylans greatness: he knew his musical skills, he knew his vocal range but he knew nothing 'bout compliance.

[otee]

Thanks so much Swingin’ 👌💥👌
I love those original works of him

[fredfat]

would recognise that harmonica anywhere - remarkable that this even exists - a big thank u mr/mrs/ms pig

[alias-ty]

Love this Bob with his first band behind him a guitarist, harmonica player and tapping the guitar drummer and he did that.

[melinda]

This is such a great document, it makes me so emotional, I guess this would be my first stop if I were to go back in time like in that Woody Allen 'Midnight in Paris' movie. Thanks so much for your work.

[MrMusicbook]

A real treat...thank's for the work you put into making this possible. Dylan was almost 20 years old here and sounding great!

[CarmelaRoseRosse]

who would have thought back in 61 except for Dylan that he was going to be around for so long making music!

[ericlewis]

Thank you for this treasure ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[piotrgonda]

six decades have passed, we owe Mr Dylan a lot, and we owe ourselves to be decent and to be free...

[addie]

Wow, what a good looking guy!! He looks vaguely familiar. I like the well-groomed hair. 😂 And he plays harmonica . I had one but never got the hang of it. ❤

[pmf]

Right about now, the day after the Capitol bldg got invaded for the first time since 1814, i just wanna say . . . . .good to hear some early Dylan . . . .he always did get it just about right . . :)