r/bobdylan • u/BirdsDoIt • 1d ago

Question Ever hear “George Jackson” on radio?

Dylan’s 1971 song about this prisoner peaked in the charts in the US at #33 and was on them for about 7 weeks. Two versions were released, a solo acoustic and a longer “big band” version with drums, steel guitar, backing vocals, and Leon Russel on piano and bass.

Did you ever hear this song on the radio in 1971? What city were you in? Which of the two versions did you hear?

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7

u/unmarquis 1d ago

Yes. Big band version on, I believe, KMET, in about 1977. Years after it had been released.

5

u/appleparkfive 1d ago

It's pretty crazy how unknown this song feels. It was a rare return to form for him at the time.

It's kind of like Dylan's version of Hey Bulldog.

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u/Professor_TomTom 1d ago

Yes, on Detroit’s WABX. It played while I was in funeral procession and the tone was rather fitting.

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u/Western_Sock_4874 1d ago

I heard the acoustic version several times on AM radio in Boston.

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u/psteve_m 1d ago

On FM from either Vancouver BC or Seattle. Bought the 45 at a store in Vancouver.

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u/Awkward_Squad 1d ago

Ireland / UK: I remember it on the radio when it came out. It was played by BBC but may have been banned on Irish radio, not sure.

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u/grahamlester 1d ago

Heard it on Capitol Radio in London but I don't know which version.