The Bob Dylan song that Jimi Hendrix made his own

Bob Dylan wrote “All Along The Watchtower” for his 1967 album, John Wesley Harding, after realizing he was getting swindled by his own management and record label. Jimi Hendrix immediately covered the song for his final album, Electric Ladyland, and did such a mind-blowing job of interpreting it musically and lyrically that Bob Dylan has long admitted it to be the better version. Find out the history this classic in the new episode of the Behind The Song podcast.

Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Eva Empleo

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About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam. She is a transplant from Los Angeles, where she was a video director at Fender, Executive Producer at Yahoo Music, playlist curator for Apple Music, worked in rock management with artists like the Foo Fighters and Beck, was on the radio at KCRW, and she was a DJ at online radio pioneer site Soundbreak. She has not worked a day in her life.

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[thomashumphrey]

Jimi Hendrix Idolized Bob Dylan so I'm sure he felt honored when Dylan approved of his version.

[malexder]

Wow, the things you learn on YT. This song has special meaning for me. It was playing while I was lying face down on the floor in a hi-fi shop where I worked while two guys with guns robbed us.

[numbernine]

"Lyrics evoke thoughts.. Music evoke feelings..."
This is what happened here....
and its beautiful

[dwightengle]

Bob Dylan was a genius song writer. Jimi Hendrix did a beautiful job with this song. 👏

[thomasbritton]

Hey just found your channel I'm 71 years old and love all rock and roll your very good I can't believe you're not al 100k subscribers I for one will spread the word of your podcast 😊

[malectric]

My favourite Hendrix rendition of all. I love your narrative. I always felt this song was somehow transcendental. To me, the words just had some kind of Lord Of The Rings type magic and mysticism to them. Kudos to Bob and Jimi.

[gigabloke]

"It's Jimi's song, I just wrote it" -- Bob Dylan

[hirepgym]

I remember when Jimmy(Jimi) Noel and John (Mitch) used to go into Archies and play All along the watch tower non stop on the juke box it was their favorite .

[timsands]

Just discovered this channel and loved this. This song has been important to me for 50 years, . It's the motherlode of all my music appreciation and I loved the exposition

[azme]

I always thought the original lyrics were: 'Businessmen they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth but none of them along the line, know what any of it is worth'.
#masterpiece

[duncanmurrell]

It's probably my favourite Hendrix song of all, cover or not. The whole Electric Ladyland album is a masterpiece of mood changes. I was fortunate enough to see him at the Isle of Wight Pop Festival shortly before his death and All Along the Watchtower was one of the songs he played.

[terencewise]

From Terence Wise in a great informative video.What a great song.

[charlesclark]

Had a tape with this on it while on guard duty at Camp Holloway, Pleiku. Two riders were approaching AND THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL!!! I started to record over tape as two snakes (AH 1G Cobras) were approaching and worked hillside in front of bunker two mini guns started spraying said hillside with thousands of rounds splashing off hillside and screaming over our bunker!!!. I guess you had to been there.This never fails to give me goosebumps. Somebody borrowed cassette never got it back. Oh well tattooed between my ears. 1st Aviation Brigade 72-73.

[zovalentine]

Rest in powerful peace 🙏
Jimi Hendrix
27 November 1942 ~
18 September 1971⚘

[imannonymous]

I guess im just glad, dylan gets mentioned at all when this song is discussed. Jimi revered dylan, for good reason.
Bob Dylan is one of the biggest inspirational songwriters of western music

[pernels.thyseldew]

I'm sure glad I lived through it! I saw his next to last concert in San Diego at the Sports Arena *WoW* - Then I moved to London and he died about a mile from where I was staying in Ladbrooke Grove... R.I.P.

[petarreskusic]

Jonda you are sweet❤.Thank you for sharing informations with us boomers.l'm 73 years young and your presentation of music, I grow up with, is bringing back priceless memories. ☮️ ✌️ PEACE Peter!

[seo.schweiz]

Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix were both iconic musicians who made significant contributions to the music industry in the 1960s and beyond.

Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota, is widely regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time. His poetic lyrics, socially conscious songwriting, and distinctive voice have left a lasting impact on folk and rock music. Dylan's songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind, " "Like a Rolling Stone, " and "The Times They Are a-Changin', " became anthems for the civil rights and countercultural movements of the era. He has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, is considered one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music. Known for his innovative guitar playing techniques, mesmerizing stage presence, and experimental approach to music, Hendrix pushed the boundaries of rock, blues, and psychedelic genres. His hits such as "Purple Haze, " "Hey Joe, " and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" showcased his virtuosity and unique style. Hendrix's performances at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 and his untimely death in 1970 cemented his status as a cultural icon.

Both Dylan and Hendrix were pioneers in their respective genres and had a profound impact on popular music. Their artistic contributions continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

[steveproctor]

I saw a video once of Hendrix at a live show. He asked if anyone had any requests. Someone shouted out all along the watchtower. He said that he really didn't know the lyrics well enough to do it because he had only sung it one time.

[darrylbrown]

Dave Mason, awesome guiterist too.I saw him join Traffic @ Winterland, 1971, while at the PRESIDIO.Winwood no slouch either. ROCK ON!!