Hand Corrected Publishing Proofs of Blonde on Blonde
New York: [Edoardo J. Di Biase for Dwarf Music, 1966. Dylan’s working scores and lyrics for the publication and copyright of the Blonde on Blonde songs, with his changes and corrections. A 58 page file (2 pages of prelims, 56 pages of music and lyrics), most on staff paper folios from Music Publishers Holding Corp. first written out in pencil by Di Biase (with his sharp ear for turning recorded sound into a written score) before being given to Dylan for his review (akin to galley proofs sent to an author for corrections). 8 songs had title changes, 3 of them more than once. All the lyric and title changes either handwritten by Dylan, or directed (to Di Biase) by him. Dated Mar. 18, 1966 (3 months before the album), most sheets 9 1/2” X 12 1/2” some 8 3/4” X 11”. The archive comprises the complete album, 12 songs written out, 2 songs (Memphis Blues Again and One of Us Must Know) in their finished, printed versions without annotations (the latter because it was published when released as a single in Feb.), 1 draft of Visions of Johanna is a xerox but with handwritten annotations in pencil, the other draft of it is in pencil. First preliminary page torn and stained, the second also stained, a few other leaves with marginal stains, and a 3” tear to the Visions of Johanna staff leaf, else very good. A wondrous archive. Ex–Edoardo J. Di Biase (composer and music copyrighter), thence by descent. A masterpiece that imitates nobody and that nobody else could imitate. Very good. Item #490
“The closest I ever got to the sound I hear in my mind was on individual bands in the ‘Blonde on Blonde’ album. It’s that thin, that wild mercury sound. It’s metallic and bright gold, with whatever that conjures up.”–Bob Dylan, 1978
The second verse of Pledging My Time bears typically substantial annotations in Dylan’s handwriting with the original 2nd verse scratched out and rewritten.
This aligns more closely, though not exactly, with the lyrics on the take chosen for release. Other of the more noteworthy annotations in Dylan’s handwriting here, are on drafts of Temporary Like Achilles, and Obviously Five Believers.
The chronological context: Highway 61 Revisited released Aug. 30, 1965. Blonde on Blonde recorded in NY Oct. 1965–Jan. 1966, Nashville Feb.–Mar. 1966, mixed in L. A. Apr. 1966, released Jun. 20, 1966 (the first significant rock double album). Motorcycle crash Jul. 29, 1966. Recuperation Aug.–Sep. 1966. The gap of detachment that extricated Dylan from an unsustainable lifestyle Sep. 1966–Sep. 1967. John Wesley Harding [sic] recorded in Nashville Oct. 1967, released Dec. 27, 1967.
The details:
Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35: 2 handwritten drafts, 7 annotations, title changed 3 times (first Black Dog Blues, then Everybody Must get Stoned). A note on 1 of the drafts reads, ”Redone 3/18/66. Final Copy. This one checked by Dylan.”
Pledging My Time: 2 handwritten drafts, 6 annotations, title changed once.
Visions of Johanna: 2 drafts, 1 of them a xerox but with pencil annotations, the other is handwritten with 21 annotations, the title changed once. A note at the end of the corrected xerox reads “Taken off dub 12/12/1965, EDB” and “Taken off dub again 2/22/66 as Visions of Johanna.”
One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later): 3 pages of printed sheet music (as it was issued for a single in Feb. 1966). I Want You: 1 handwritten draft, 4 annotations. Just Like a Woman: 1 handwritten draft, 7 annotations.
Leopard–Skin Pill–Box Hat: 1 handwritten draft, 2 annotations.
Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again: 2 printed drafts (a 3 page xerox, and a printed leaf, 2 of the 3 pages, laid into a blank staff sheet).
Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine): 2 handwritten drafts, 3 annotations, 1 alternate title then changed again before publication.
Temporary Like Achilles: 2 handwritten drafts, 8 annotations, among them the word “Achilles” added as the first word in the 5th verse, that became the 4th verse. The name Achilles (initially replacing Hercules) ultimately migrated to the song’s title (in our drafts the song is titled, I’ve Been Here Before).
Fourth Time Around: 2 handwritten drafts, 1 of them only lyrics, in pencil, on typing paper and not in Dylan’s or Di Biase’s hand, the other in manuscript on staff paper with 2 annotations. Absolutely Sweet Marie: 1 handwritten draft, 7 annotations, title changed later (in our drafts it’s titled, Wanted Together).
Obviously Five Believers: 2 handwritten drafts, 9 annotations, title changed once and then again before publication (in our 2nd draft it’s titled, Most Likely Five Believers). A note at the top of 1 draft says, “corrections by Dylan.”
Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands: 2 handwritten drafts, 1 of them only lyrics, in pencil, on typing paper and not in Dylan’s or Di Biase’s hand, the other in manuscript on staff paper with 7 annotations, title changed later (in 1 of our drafts it’s titled Lady of the Lowlands).
Price:
$125,000.00