Back in February Bob Dylan performed “The Times They Are A-Changin’” for President Obama and the First Family as part of a celebration for music from the Civil Rights era. That was a while ago, sure, but we just got Obama’s impressions on it now via a Rolling Stone cover story, impressions that might make you want to revisit Dylan’s visit.
Here’s what I love about Dylan: He was exactly as you’d expect he would be. He wouldn’t come to the rehearsal; usually, all these guys are practicing before the set in the evening. He didn’t want to take a picture with me; usually all the talent is dying to take a picture with me and Michelle before the show, but he didn’t show up to that. He came in and played “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” A beautiful rendition. The guy is so steeped in this stuff that he can just come up with some new arrangement, and the song sounds completely different. Finishes the song, steps off the stage… comes up, shakes my hand, sort of tips his head, gives me just a little grin, and then leaves… That was our only interaction with him. And I thought: That’s how you want Bob Dylan, right? You don’t want him to be all cheesin’ and grinnin’ with you. You want him to be a little skeptical about the whole enterprise.
That performance:
(Via TwentyFourBit)
He probably would’ve received a more enthusiastic response from the National, who just performed another rally for the President. Get more from the RS interview at rollingstone.com, including the revelation that one of POTUS’s aides has put Jay-Z, Nas, and Lil Wayne on the presidential iPod.
UPDATE: Nice…
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is this a quote? Cause if it is Pres O. has some terrible grammar.
Bob Dylan is a true character. Nuff Said.
That’s really the picture you chose of the Prez?
Haha. Might as well have used the one of him decked out in Muslim garb.
I think Brandon was inspired by http://vodpod.com/watch/1212565-snl-obama-plays-it-cool
Did you know Obama used to dabble in witchcraft?
Bob Dylan is more important than every President in office since Nixon. Period.
…including or excluding nixon?
Let me rephrase: Bob Dylan is more important than every President in office AFTER John F. Kennedy. Period.
“That’s how you want Bob Dylan, right? You don’t want him to be all cheesin’ and grinnin’ with you. You want him to be a little skeptical about the whole enterprise.”
Obama may or may not be important, but he’s easily the most likable person ever to hold the office of President.
Sir Dylan knows his stuff: mystery is his best friend. I wouldn’t want Bob Dylan to join twitter and start talking about random stuff he did every day.
Hope the guys from The National handed him a High Violet kit!
Stay out of politics for gods sake!!