In celebration of Black History Month, we’re tracing the origins of Bob Dylan’s reverent and timeless Civil Rights anthem “Blowin’ in the Wind,” from the tune that likely inspired it to the song’s initial release, through the musical reciprocity it inspired among other recording artists and far beyond.
Shortly after arriving in New York City in January 1961, Dylan first heard The New World Singers [NWS]’s rendition of “No More Auction Block for Me.” If you listen to versions of the song (like this 1947 recording by Paul Roberson), you can hear the similarities musically and phonetically between the two—and by no accident. In ensuing years, “Blowin’ in the Wind” has been covered and released by well over 300 artists and has served as inspiration for landmark anthems as diverse as “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke and “Long and Whining Road” by Public Enemy. Watch to hear Dee Dixon and Noel Paul Stookey reflect on their roles in bringing “Blowin’ in the Wind” to listeners worldwide.
