April 18, 2006
NYC Album Art: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan album cover features a photograph of a 21 year old Bob Dylan and his girlfriend at the time, Suze Rotolo (an artist who teaches at the Parsons School of Design). History will tell you Rotolo inspired the songs "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and "Boots of Spanish Leather." It will also tell you that Dylan wanted to (add a girl and) recreate this shot of James Dean.
The photograph was taken in February 1963 by Don Hunstein. Dylan lived a short ways away at 161 West 4th Street at the time. The cover of this album is often thought to be shot on West 4th Street between 6th and 7th, outside of his apartment. This is not true. The actual street is a one block side street connecting West 4th and Bleeker, called Jones Street. If you see outtakes from this photo shoot you'll see more of the area, in which a building with the number 9 and a decorative diamond shape is visible (and still there today). The fire escapes have since been replaced, but other than that you'll be able to recreate this album cover rather well, on a snowy day.
Previously: Physical Graffiti and Strange Days album covers
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here is a look at Jones Street
http://www.forgotten-ny.com/forgottenblog/blogjones.html
Suze Rotolo has a great exhibit, a couple off years ago, at the Donnell Library; wonderfully crafted, drawn, tiny books.
There's a scene in Vanilla Sky that copies this album cover, right? Cruise and Cruz walking down the street. I still can't decide if I hate or am simply indifferent to that movie.
I was going to suggest this one for your series, please keep 'em coming.
if gothamist is going to start writing genuine articles, perhaps they could consider providing sources for the material? surely this isn't all public knowledge. sliding by on the latitude of paraphrasing?
Next, do the alleyway where D.A. Pennebaker shot the video for Subterranean Homesick Blues.
Funny, my boyfriend and I actually DID recreate this scene on a snowy day a few months ago after watching No Direction Home.
http://theblognut.blogspot.com/2006/04/freewheelin-donut.html
Bob Dylan is a douchebag.
Oh! Someone please God post a link if anyone has it, for outtakes of this album sleeve, there is one of Dylan and Suze in black and white, he is smoking and looking down, my friend has it on her wall but she won't let me have it. I would be so grateful if anyone could help. Thanks.
Anybody know of a place where I can get a poster print of this album cover? If you do...please email me at lewalker22@gmail.com
Thank you!!!!
I NEED to find a poster of this for my boyfriend. If anyone knows where to get one could you PLEASE let me know. Email me at maestroeva@gmail.com
Thanks
I searched for a poster of this image and gave up a few years back. Just now remembered, after seeing it once again. Any references or suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks!!
can anybody help me to get a poster of this image? I'd be eternally grateful! Email vikki1stephens@hotmail.co.uk
Thank you!