Boston Auction House Hits High Note as Bob Dylan's Legendary '61 Demo Tape Sparks Collectors Frenzy

Today, music enthusiasts and collectors are tuning their attention to Boston's RR Auction, where an audio tape of Bob Dylan's earliest recordings—dubbed "Bob Dylan's First Demo Tape"—is currently on the auction block. The tape, a 1/4-inch Reeves Soundcraft Plus-100 reel-to-reel, features six tracks recorded live at the Gaslight Café in New York City on September 6, 1961, and is considered a historic artifact capturing Dylan's nascent days in the folk spotlight. According to RR Auction, the tape includes early compositions such as 'Old Man,' 'He Was a Friend of Mine,' and 'Song to Woody,' showcasing Dylan's burgeoning songwriting prowess.

Terri Thal, Dylan's first manager and creator of the demo tape, recorded these tracks with the practical aim of booking gigs, during a time when the young musician was largely unknown beyond a tight-knit circle of New York folk artists, and the tape served as a tangible showcase of his talent, Thal recounts her efforts and experiences in booking gigs for Dylan, even as the artist at the time faced rejections and comparisons to the already established Ramblin' Jack Elliott. In a statement obtained by Boston.com, Thal recalled the challenges of promoting Dylan: "The manager said to me, I can hire Jack Elliot—why should I hire Bob Dylan? Nobody ever heard of him."

Further adding to the tape's mystique is the digital transfer prepared by Steve Addabbo, owner of Shelter Island Sound, which revealed not only the preservation of the original sound but also its remarkable clarity, ensuring that Dylan's early music can be experienced as it was meant to be. Thal's personal reflections document the tape's significance and the moments leading to its creation, including Dylan's connection with the New York City folk scene and Dave Van Ronk's influence.

The auction also includes an assortment of Dylan memorabilia, from the harmonica used during his notorious 1966 tour to original paintings and handwritten lyrics, proving that Dylan's enduring legacy extends far beyond his music. As RR Auction's executive vice president Bobby Livingston puts it in an auction video, "It's probably one of the only artifacts from the May 1966 tour that's ever been offered," emphasizing the rarity of Dylan-related artifacts that make it to public sale, as detailed by Boston.com. The trove of items, drawn from not only Thal's collection but also those of the late rock photographer Barry Feinstein and the late Bob Neuwirth, Dylan's friend, and collaborator, offer fans a tangible connection to Dylan's storied career.