Bob Dylan

Blonde on Blonde

First released1966

Blonde on Blonde was recorded primarily at Columbia Records' Studio A in New York City between 1965 and 1966, with additional sessions at RCA Studio B in Nashville in February 1966. The album was produced by Bob Johnston, who took over most production duties after initial sessions with Tom Wilson, and featured engineer Roy Halee at the New York sessions. Dylan employed a diverse backing band including members of the Band and session musicians, marking a shift toward a more rock-oriented sound with prominent use of organ, horns, and electric instrumentation. The recording took place during a pivotal period in Dylan's career, following his controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, and the album became a landmark in rock music with its intricate arrangements and surrealist lyrics. The sessions were notable for their improvisational approach and the extended jam-like quality of several tracks, with some songs such as "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" featuring an energetic, almost chaotic sound that was unusual for mainstream recording at the time.