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Pledging My Time: Conversations with Bob Dylan Band Members
"More fine stories than you can count" — Greil Marcus
Collecting over 40 original, in-depth interviews, Pledging My Conversations with Bob Dylan Band Members is the first look at Bob Dylan’s career entirely from the perspective of the musicians standing a few feet away from him on stage – from his earliest days in the ‘60s all the way through the 21st century Never Ending Tour. With a few exceptions, these artists are not household names, but they have in many cases spent years making music with one of the most revered and mysterious artists in the world.
The world of Dylan’s bands and his road life has seemed fairly impenetrable for decades now. Many people in this book have never spoken before about their time with Dylan, or certainly not in as much depth. Interviewees span every era of Dylan’s career, from Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Martin Carthy talking about the early folk scene up through Benmont Tench and Alan Pasqua talking about recording Rough and Rowdy Ways. This guest list guiding the backstage tour also includes one-off sit-ins, behind- the-scenes touring personnel, and even a notable Grammy Awards stage-crasher.
If Dylan is, as he famously put it back in 1965, a “song and dance man,” these are the people who have sung and danced alongside him. Ray Padgett is the ideal interviewer—he really knows his stuff, so he can draw the best out of every musician he talks to. This is a tremendous collection of acute, revealing, often funny stories from those who’ve played on stage with Bob Dylan. — Michael Gray, author of Song and Dance The Art of Bob Dylan There already is an endless supply of books about Bob Dylan in the world. What could possibly be written now that seems fresh, much less indispensable? Enter Ray Padgett, one of the great modern Dylanologists, who has done the Lord’s work of tracking down Bob’s many collaborators over the years and getting the inside story. The result is insightful, fascinating, hilarious, illuminating, and, yes, indispensable. — Steven Hyden, author of six books including Long Road and Twilight Of The Gods, and the co-host of the Bob Dylan podcast Never Ending Stories These talks open up like running streams. There seems to be no guile, no self-promotion, no maybe because Ray Padgett doesn’t either. There’s less I Was There than ‘and then I wasn’t’—and more fine stories than you can count. I love Louis Kemp on negotiating with Walter Yetnikoff—even if he does have a 13-year-old Bob Dylan singing Jerry Lee Lewis and Chubby Checker in 1954. — Greil Marcus, author of Folk A Bob Dylan Biography in Seven Songs Ray Padgett's Dylan scholarship combines obvious enthusiasm, deep knowledge, broad understanding, and an abiding need to get things right. This is essential work both now and for the future. – Caryn Rose, author of Why Patti Smith Matters If you're like me, you've waited your entire adult life for this book. Padgett digs deep and shines a spotlight on the people standing (and sitting) behind the man behind the shades. — Jon Wurster, writer/performer/drummer (Mountain Goats, Bob Mould, Superchunk)
Collecting over 40 original, in-depth interviews, Pledging My Conversations with Bob Dylan Band Members is the first look at Bob Dylan’s career entirely from the perspective of the musicians standing a few feet away from him on stage – from his earliest days in the ‘60s all the way through the 21st century Never Ending Tour. With a few exceptions, these artists are not household names, but they have in many cases spent years making music with one of the most revered and mysterious artists in the world.
The world of Dylan’s bands and his road life has seemed fairly impenetrable for decades now. Many people in this book have never spoken before about their time with Dylan, or certainly not in as much depth. Interviewees span every era of Dylan’s career, from Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Martin Carthy talking about the early folk scene up through Benmont Tench and Alan Pasqua talking about recording Rough and Rowdy Ways. This guest list guiding the backstage tour also includes one-off sit-ins, behind- the-scenes touring personnel, and even a notable Grammy Awards stage-crasher.
If Dylan is, as he famously put it back in 1965, a “song and dance man,” these are the people who have sung and danced alongside him. Ray Padgett is the ideal interviewer—he really knows his stuff, so he can draw the best out of every musician he talks to. This is a tremendous collection of acute, revealing, often funny stories from those who’ve played on stage with Bob Dylan. — Michael Gray, author of Song and Dance The Art of Bob Dylan There already is an endless supply of books about Bob Dylan in the world. What could possibly be written now that seems fresh, much less indispensable? Enter Ray Padgett, one of the great modern Dylanologists, who has done the Lord’s work of tracking down Bob’s many collaborators over the years and getting the inside story. The result is insightful, fascinating, hilarious, illuminating, and, yes, indispensable. — Steven Hyden, author of six books including Long Road and Twilight Of The Gods, and the co-host of the Bob Dylan podcast Never Ending Stories These talks open up like running streams. There seems to be no guile, no self-promotion, no maybe because Ray Padgett doesn’t either. There’s less I Was There than ‘and then I wasn’t’—and more fine stories than you can count. I love Louis Kemp on negotiating with Walter Yetnikoff—even if he does have a 13-year-old Bob Dylan singing Jerry Lee Lewis and Chubby Checker in 1954. — Greil Marcus, author of Folk A Bob Dylan Biography in Seven Songs Ray Padgett's Dylan scholarship combines obvious enthusiasm, deep knowledge, broad understanding, and an abiding need to get things right. This is essential work both now and for the future. – Caryn Rose, author of Why Patti Smith Matters If you're like me, you've waited your entire adult life for this book. Padgett digs deep and shines a spotlight on the people standing (and sitting) behind the man behind the shades. — Jon Wurster, writer/performer/drummer (Mountain Goats, Bob Mould, Superchunk)
453 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2023
49 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 28, 2023
Wonderful set of interviews with musicians (and some others) who have played on stage or recorded with Dylan over the years. The interviews include band members from just about every era and phase of Dylan's career, from the early folk years and going electric, to the 70s comeback, to the gospel years, to the lost 80s and then the Never-Ending tour. The interviews cover how the musicians came to join Dylan's band, what it was like playing with him, and whatever other stories they remember - and there are a lot of good ones! Some of the best interviews are with the less well-known collaborators. For example, Tony Marsico played played bass for Dylan's 1984 (in)famous punk-influenced set on Letterman. His account of how three months of jamming at Dylan's house led to the spot on Letterman, but then nothing afterwards is a great tale. Almost every chapter has something of interest for the Dylan fan. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that it lacks interviews with some of the most important Dylan band members (e.g. Tony Garnier). I'd bet the author tried to get them to talk, but anyone who currently works with Dylan almost certainly would not agree to an interview (since they could lose their job).
Note: If you are not a serious Dylan fan, then this book is not intended for you - a general interest biography, of which there are many, would be a better bet.
Note: If you are not a serious Dylan fan, then this book is not intended for you - a general interest biography, of which there are many, would be a better bet.
August 8, 2023
'Then Frank came out. I’m watching Frank, and I’m watching Bob watching Frank. I’m just going, “Wow, this is a Fellini moment.” We make it through the whole show, and somebody backstage figures out it’s Bob. Somebody comes out and goes, “Frank says come by the dressing room after the show and say hello.” I’m thinking, “Fuck, yes, this is going to be great!” I had a long-term love affair with the Rat Pack my whole life. It’s been a thing for me. So we go by the dressing room. I go, “Bob, over here. Let’s go in and say hi to Frank.” He goes, “Nah. Let’s go.” So close. It was so perfectly Bob. Like, “Nah, fuck it. I’m outta here.”'
An interesting and entirely new angle on the myth and magic of Bob Dylan--these interviews take us backstage, on-stage, and in the studio with Bob Dylan where we get to hear directly from the people who shared time with him in a musical setting. It gives such a distinct portrait of the man that you'd think there was a clear through-line or agenda behind these interviews, but Ray is a true pro so I fully discount that. The questions were insightful and I think Ray did a good job on just getting out of the way and allowing the stories to flow.
An interesting and entirely new angle on the myth and magic of Bob Dylan--these interviews take us backstage, on-stage, and in the studio with Bob Dylan where we get to hear directly from the people who shared time with him in a musical setting. It gives such a distinct portrait of the man that you'd think there was a clear through-line or agenda behind these interviews, but Ray is a true pro so I fully discount that. The questions were insightful and I think Ray did a good job on just getting out of the way and allowing the stories to flow.
July 12, 2023
I have read a lot of Dylan books, and this is near the top. Any effort to quibble with a choice to include any specific individuals would be nit-picking. I found much of this a fascinating insight into how one of the greatest artist of all time creates. Some of this can be found in other places, but there are many interesting insights that come out here that are unique to Padgett's storytelling and interviewing skills.
November 17, 2025
This book probably has something of a niche audience: People who love Bob Dylan, people who like reading about musicians, and/or both. If you fall into these niches, you’ll love this. Padgett was able to interview so many people - mostly people who played with Dylan over the years, but also some who had other jobs, like tour manager. These interviews got closer to giving a feel of what it’s like to play with Bob than anything else I’ve read. And what struck me was that just about everyone, even those who’d had some frustrations along the way, mostly with Dylan’s mercurial nature and unorthodox approach, said it was one of the best experiences of their lives.
Obviously there are some omissions - none of his current band members, no Joni Mitchell, no Joan Baez - but that’s not surprising. Maybe some day!
Obviously there are some omissions - none of his current band members, no Joni Mitchell, no Joan Baez - but that’s not surprising. Maybe some day!
February 18, 2024
Great collection of conversations. The interviewees are candid and forthright in relating their Dylan experience, whether it was positive or negative (or sometimes both). Everyone seems to have an enormous respect for Dylan and are thankful for their time with him, no matter what went down. The author asks good questions and takes the time to clarify certain points which, as a fan, I appreciated.
March 21, 2024
What a joyous book to read! Bob Dylan is one of the most important, yet also most inscrutable artists of our time. By interviewing various band members from the bard’s 60 plus year career, this book gives us a fresh new perspective that the biographies often miss. Filled with fascinating firsthand stories from the studio, the stage, and the road, this is a real page turner. Highly recommended.
June 26, 2023
You will learn more about the life and art of Bob Dylan by reading PLEDGING MY TIME than you will by reading any of the traditional Dylan biographies. This book consists of 40+ interviews with people whose careers interfaced with Dylan's on a professional level between 1961 (Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary fame), when Dylan first arrived in Greenwich Village during the height of the "folk revival," and 2020 (Benmont Tench, Alan Pasqua), when Dylan recorded his masterpiece ROUGH AND ROWDY WAYS. Some of the people interviewed are famous (actor Jeff Bridges, musician Richard Thompson) while others are lesser known or even completely unknown, but all of the interviews provide invaluable insight into the famously enigmatic Dylan. (In fact, the most fascinating chapter of all, and the one that does the most to humanize Dylan, is the interview with the obscure Australian musician Xanthe Littlemore who found herself the unlikely opening act for a single show Dylan played in 1986 when she was just 22 years old.) Ray Padgett did the lord's work by hunting these people down and asking them to share their stories. He also clearly did a commendable amount of research in the process but he always wisely puts the focus exactly where it should be: on the answers of the folks he's speaking to instead of on his questions. This is a strategy that I hope other Dylan writers will learn from.
September 20, 2025
Although it is frequently noted that those surrounding Dylan aim to safeguard his privacy, this group of musical professionals candidly shares their experiences of working with him. While they also offer some intriguing private insights, above all, the interviewees provide a valuable perspective on the experience of collaborating with Dylan as a highly skilled and inspiring bandleader. The interviews convey the heartfelt admiration of this very diverse group of musicians that worked with him over a period of 50 years or more, and their expression of gratitude for their chance to have worked together musically.
April 24, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable. Ray Padgett is an astute, and likable interviewer who has certainly done the homework and groundwork needed for an interesting and entertaining collection.
Enough back stage gossip to keep a non-musician interested; a trove of information about the life of making music on the road, and another wealth of deep information about how songs, and their players develop.
Dylan's life is music, and the players he gathers around him are the creme de la creme. It's a pleasure to hear from them.
Enough back stage gossip to keep a non-musician interested; a trove of information about the life of making music on the road, and another wealth of deep information about how songs, and their players develop.
Dylan's life is music, and the players he gathers around him are the creme de la creme. It's a pleasure to hear from them.
June 16, 2024
Outstanding
Absolutely loved this book, but only recommend it to true Dylan fans or crazy fanatics of the singer songwriter genre. So much great info and just gossip herein about Dylan's genius, kindness and often irascible behavior. For me the book started off slow, but then I couldn't put it down. I learned so much I had no idea about regarding Dylan and his career. For me this book is so worth the read and as a rock fanatic and Dylan fan will always turn to as a great resource. Thanks for this Ray Padgett.
Absolutely loved this book, but only recommend it to true Dylan fans or crazy fanatics of the singer songwriter genre. So much great info and just gossip herein about Dylan's genius, kindness and often irascible behavior. For me the book started off slow, but then I couldn't put it down. I learned so much I had no idea about regarding Dylan and his career. For me this book is so worth the read and as a rock fanatic and Dylan fan will always turn to as a great resource. Thanks for this Ray Padgett.
November 11, 2024
More Dylan tales...
I love Bob Dylan. I love the songs, the stories, the history, the musicians, the feelings these ingredients bring. This book illuminates a side a Bob that most of us will never have. As a musician, I thought thru this book, could I have worked out in Bob's band? Maybe. This book shows what type of artist one must be to hang with a genius of Bobs caliber. Great book, fun read. Long live Bob Dylan. I heard abt this book on the Otis Gibbs YouTube channel. Check him out too... peace and love and Bob Dylan.
I love Bob Dylan. I love the songs, the stories, the history, the musicians, the feelings these ingredients bring. This book illuminates a side a Bob that most of us will never have. As a musician, I thought thru this book, could I have worked out in Bob's band? Maybe. This book shows what type of artist one must be to hang with a genius of Bobs caliber. Great book, fun read. Long live Bob Dylan. I heard abt this book on the Otis Gibbs YouTube channel. Check him out too... peace and love and Bob Dylan.
March 20, 2025
Pledging my time gives a great insight to what it’s like being part of Bob Dylan’s band, so much so that I actually felt nervous thinking about what it’d be like to be in his band. Having to improvise, watch Bob like a hawk to make sure you don’t mess up, not knowing if you’ll be back for the next leg of the tour…. Fair play to these people who’ve played with him. I would fold under those conditions.
September 4, 2023
For some reason I didn't have a lot in the way of hope for this book, but I was wrong, it exceeded my expectations all the way around. Excellent interviews with a wide variety of musicians across the entire Dylan career. Will be worth revisiting, and becomes immediately one of the essential books for those who want to go deep on Dylan's playing.
March 31, 2024
This is a top read. The Dylan information aside, I enjoyed hearing about the lives of the sidemen (and women, of course) that he interviewed. So often in rock and roll books, it's all about the folks in the public eye when so much of the music is played by the journeymen (and women, of course!) bassists, drummers, guitarists, etc who back them. I didn't want this one to end!
June 7, 2024
A collection of interviews with some of the musicians who have played with Bob Dylan, at some point along the way. There’s quite a list of notable omissions that could have brought more weighty pizazz, and some are barely tenuously linked to playing with Dylan, but you’ll enjoy this book if you’re into funny anecdotes about Dylan being a prick.
July 13, 2023
Outstanding. I was only about 25 pages in when I ordered two more copies for friends. Essential reading for the Dylan fan, no matter the age or Dylan knowledge level. It spans from the Village through today. Something for everyone.
July 22, 2023
Usually, you can count on interviews as long as the interviewer knows when to edit himself out of the way. This is a stellar collection, with the best results coming from Stan Lynch, Winston Watson, Larry Campbell, and Benmont Tench. Almost all of the interviews appeared in a newsletter first.
October 20, 2024
“Bob is a bit of a dick part 73456”
Enjoyable none the less. Offered some new insights into periods that I was less familiar with. Turned me onto a couple of more obscure songs ánd Tom Petty - who knew!
Enjoyable none the less. Offered some new insights into periods that I was less familiar with. Turned me onto a couple of more obscure songs ánd Tom Petty - who knew!
September 4, 2025
“You just watch Bob like a hawk.” Only one musician reports a really bad experience with him. The rest say they enjoyed being in his touring band, and are disappointed when it inevitably ends. Personally he comes across as quirky; he sounds like a cat. Try to pick it up and it runs away. Ignore it and it’ll come check you out. He calls tunes that haven’t been rehearsed or that band members even know. If you can keep up, fine. If not, well, nobody works for him forever anyway.
Later chapters with musicians more interesting than the earlier celebrity ones.
Later chapters with musicians more interesting than the earlier celebrity ones.
August 1, 2023
Amazing. Funny. Smart. Revealing. Sometimes sad. Padgett gets out of the way and lets the musicians speak. Worth it for the Ramblin’ Jack and Winston Watts interviews alone. But there’s so much more.
August 12, 2023
“Pledging My Time” has a lot fun stories for Dylan fans. Musicians especially will enjoy the somewhat harrowing stories of playing music with the notoriously spontaneous Dylan.
August 25, 2023
Interviews with musicians (and others) who have played/hung with Bob. Insightful and fascinating. A great addition to any Sylan library.
September 2, 2023
Fascinating and touching. By far most of the stories reflect well on Bob, as man and musician. But there are a few tales of pettiness and mean spirit: it seems he is in fact human after all.
October 8, 2023
Illuminating, charming and insightful. One of the few essential modern Dylan books.
December 31, 2023
Highest possible recommendation for a Dylan fans, absolutely essential.
February 22, 2024
For Dylan fans only me thinks
January 16, 2025
Great storytelking, great interviews, covers amazing topics with amazing detail and personal accounts of a fascinating subject.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews