Bob Dylan trailed closely in popularity during the 1960s, despite The Beatles being widely regarded as the most influential act of that decade. The native of Duluth, a troubadour committed to transforming the world in the style of his idols, like Woody Guthrie, would compose some of the most influential lyrical and musical works of the day.
A relentless artist whose career has fluctuated with the times, Dylan persisted in exploring new frontiers after becoming the most well-known protest singer-songwriter of the early 1960s. Later on, he would incorporate elements of reggae, hard rock, and even gospel into his new sounds.
Despite his well-documented missteps, Dylan remains a model force whose best work endures forever. Like the great classical composers of antiquity, he and The Beatles and their other influential, boundary-pushing colleagues will undoubtedly continue to be debated with curiosity in generations to come.
His highlights reel is broad, ranging from era-defining works like “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” and “The Times They Are a-Changin” to one of his most recent works, “Murder Most Foul,” a heady voyage into the past penned by an aging Dylan who has witnessed the world alter beyond comprehension. Being a gifted poet and composer, it is quite amazing what one individual can do. To emphasize this point, The Beatles were a group of four musicians, and he also had a significant influence on the Fab Four.
That being said, Dylan has mostly depended on the artistic ability of others to realize his vision. As his influence grew, he stopped reserving the acoustic guitar for larger-scale musical backgrounds. As a result, he has worked with numerous musicians, including Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Roger McGuinn, Al Kooper, and members of The Band.
Most people are unaware that Bob Dylan received assistance from the late Tom Petty on his travels. The subject song is the frequently disregarded track “Got My Mind Made Up” from the Knocked Out Loaded album from 1986. The song, which has Dylan and Petty establishing a melodic harmony that undoubtedly paved the way for the supergroup Traveling Wilburys, which emerged in 1988, is one of the album’s highlights even if it is one of Dylan’s poorest.
“Got My Mind Made Up,” which features Dylan’s trademark gravelly voice and an irresistible beat, is a tribute to the artist’s ability to enthrall listeners of all ages. The infectious energy of the song is unstoppable, and its orchestration, which is supported by a tight group of musicians, is evidence of Dylan’s development as an artist.
Below, you may listen to “Got My Mind Made Up.”