Bob Dylan Archive Heads to Julien’s Auctions Nashville

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Bob Dylan. Photo: Val Wilmer

Julien’s Auctions will host “Celebrating Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive, T Bone Burnett & More” auction at the Musician’s Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville on Jan. 18.

The auction features 60 items, 50 of these from journalist Al Aronowitz‘s personal archive including two pages containing three progressive typewritten drafts of the lyrics to “Mr. Tambourine Man,” an early Dylan oil painting from 1968, a 1963 handbill from his first major headline performance at Town Hall in New York City, early vintage photos, original sketches and much more. The auction also includes a 1983 Fender Telecaster made for and owned by Dylan and signed handwritten lyrics for “Blowin’ In The Wind.”

The auction is highlighted by a one-of-one Ionic Original disc of Bob Dylan’s new studio recording of “The Times They Are A-Changin'” from a special session with producer Burnett. In honor of “Celebrating Bob Dylan,” a special exhibition showcasing highlights from the Al Aronowitz collection will run through Jan. 17 prior to the auction.

“Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Mick Jagger, Jerry Garcia, Carole King… My Father was this incredible connector,” says Myles Aronowitz, son of Al. “He was much more than a journalist, he understood what these artists were trying to do. He didn’t just meet these cultural icons, he brought them together. He introduced Allen Ginsberg to Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan to The Beatles. My Father was the one who turned The Beatles on for the first time. He connected Jimi Hendrix with Miles Davis, Nico with Lou Reed.

“He wasn’t just a writer with a powerbase as a New York columnist; Al had this unique kind of magic. He made these introductions that went on to shape culture itself. It was more than power or influence—there was something truly magical about what he did. The collection represents my Father’s instinctive ability to identify and connect with greatness. Each item is evidence of this, and how with his magic, he literally brought you into the room!”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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