Let's Sing Like Bob Dylan! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Joan Baez

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan performed together at many concerts and had a romantic relationship which lasted for a couple of years. Originally, Dylan was interested in Joan's sister, Mimi, but apparently decided there was more to Joan than just a three-octave vocal range. On her "Diamonds & Rust" album, Baez did a (thankfully) short, over-the-top imitation of Dylan on the song "Simple Twist of Fate."

Answer: U2

Did I fool you on this one? The key word is 'performed'. U2 performed "Maggie's Farm" on Amnesty International's "A Conspiracy of Hope Tour" in 1986, usually combining it with another song (which varied, depending on the concert). They apparently never recorded it. Between Bono's delivery and The Edge's guitar work, it had a completely different tone from Dylan's version. If you're interested, it's available on YouTube.

Answer: Postcards of the Hanging

"Postcards of the Hanging" contained eleven Dylan songs performed live by the Grateful Dead between 1973 and 1990. Those who bought a first edition of the compilation got a bonus CD with two songs on it. Dylan joined them for the "Dylan & The Dead" tour in 1987. Songs from the tour appeared on the "Dylan & The Dead" and "View from the Vault IV" CDs.

Answer: Blowin' in the Wind

Peter, Paul and Mary's version of "Blowin' in the Wind" sold 300,000 copies in its first week of release in 1963. It reached #2 on the "Billboard Hot 100." In the same year, they followed it up with another Dylan song: "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right", a Top Ten song. Because of their success with his songs, many artists started covering Bob Dylan's material.

Answer: Shawn Colvin

Shawn Colvin, known as a a contemporary folk artist, usually records songs she composes herself or writes with John Levanthal. She is perhaps best known for "Steady On" and "Sunny Came Home". The "Cover Girl" CD (1994) was a collection of cover tunes from diverse artists.

It was nominated for the "Best Contemporary Folk Album" Grammy in 1995. She has had ten Grammy nominations and won three. "Lonesome..." is the only Dylan song she has recorded to date (2011).

Answer: Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright III included the song on his "History" CD in 1992, using the same 'talking blues' guitar style that Dylan used early in his career. In the song, speaking of his largely unsuccessful attempt to become the new Bob Dylan, Wainwright says: "I won a whole lot of Bob Dylan imitation contests, though."

Answer: If Not For You

Harrison recorded and released the "All Things Must Pass" album in 1970. It was the first triple album by a solo artist. Dylan joined him on the album to sing "I'd Have You Anytime". Dylan recorded "If Not For You" on his "New Morning" album which was released a month before Harrison's. The two later became part of the Traveling Wilburys, a project which lasted from 1988 to 1990.

Answer: Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow recorded "Mississippi" for "The Globe Sessions" CD in 1998. Later, meeting Dylan at a concert, she asked him how he liked her version of the song. Dylan's reply: "How'd you like mine?" Dylan's "Tombstone Blues" showed up on Crow's "Live from Central Park" CD in 1999.

Answer: Johnny Cash and June Carter

Dylan and Cash met at one of the Newport Folk Festivals and developed a friendship. According to singer/actor Kris Kristofferson, when the two met, Dylan walked around Cash as though he were a "a big oak tree." Cash recorded "It Ain't Me, Babe" with June Carter (of the singing Carter Family), whom he would marry in 1968.

Answer: The Byrds

Using new chord arrangements and close harmony, The Byrds started the folk rock era with "Mr. Tambourine Man" in 1965. Jim Dickson, the Byrds' manager, was the driving force behind getting the band to record "Mr. Tambourine Man". He had toyed with the idea of a Dylan/Beatles fusion with other singers he managed; the Byrds were initially cool to the idea. Over time, The Byrds recorded fourteen Bob Dylan songs.