Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties

Elijah Wald, a pre-eminent voice in music criticism, revisits a seismic moment in music history with Dylan Goes Electric!, timed perfectly for the fiftieth anniversary of Bob Dylan's controversial electric set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. For those who think they know the story – the booing purists, Dylan's defiant rock 'n' roll declaration – Wald offers a nuanced and insightful re-examination that goes far beyond the simplistic narrative.

Wald meticulously unpacks the cultural, political, and historical backdrop of the sixties folk revival and the burgeoning rock scene, revealing the deep-seated tensions between tradition and innovation that made Dylan's electric foray so incendiary. He delves into Dylan's own artistic evolution, highlighting his long-standing connection to the blues and his complex, often fraught, relationship with the folk establishment, including his one-time mentor Pete Seeger. This isn't just about a band going electric; it's about artistic independence, the shifting sands of musical identity, and the very definition of what popular music could be.

What makes Dylan Goes Electric! so compelling is Wald's refusal to take the well-trodden path. He challenges conventional wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on the audience's reaction and the broader significance of that pivotal evening. He illuminates the nuances of the folk revival's ideals and the burgeoning power of rock, showing how Dylan's move wasn't simply a betrayal for some, but a logical, albeit shocking, step in his artistic journey.

Far from being a mere historical recounting, Wald's analysis is sharp and thought-provoking, making a compelling case for why this seemingly singular event continues to resonate. Dylan Goes Electric! is a vital read for anyone interested in Dylan, the history of popular music, and the ever-present tension between artistic integrity and audience expectation. It's a book that encourages you to reconsider a legendary moment and understand its profound and lasting impact on the musical landscape.