Yes, the ocean took my baby / My baby took my heart from me / She packed it all up in a suitcase / Lord, she took it away to Italy, Italy - Bob Dylan, "Down The Highway"
(Broadway Books)
On June 9, 1962, Suze Rotolo left New York - and Bob Dylan - and traveled to Italy, via Paris, according to her memoir, A Freewheelin' Time. The separation allegedly inspired Dylan to write some of his most beloved compositions, including "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and "Tomorrow Is A Long Time".
Rotolo wrote that her mother, Mary, and her new husband, Fred Bowes, planned to visit France and Italy, and decided to bring Suze with them. Suze had planned to study in Italy after she graduated from high school in 1961. However, the trip was canceled when Suze and her mother were involved in a car accident while driving from Boston to New York in March of that year, after saying goodbye to family in Connecticut. One of Mary's kneecaps was smashed and needed to be removed. Suze's right eyelid was lacerated, and she was later diagnosed with whiplash. Both mother and daughter suffered concussions and broken ribs.
Nick Drake, "Tomorrow Is A Long Time"
Rotolo had first met Dylan on July 29, 1961, when he was one of the performers at a 12-hour hootenanny at the Riverside Church in New York. After much flirting, the two were "pretty much glued to each other". Now, one year later, Rotolo had a difficult choice to make - finally study in Italy, or stay in Greenwich Village with Bob. Rotolo wrote:
Bob waited me out. He tried not to make it difficult for me by pushing me to stay. It was my decision, he said, but would much rather I didn't go.
Her mother, of course, pushed for her to go. In the end, Suze decided on leaving New York, and accompanied her mother and step-father. Dylan, before leaving for Minneapolis, is said to have seen Rotolo board the Rotterdam, which arrived in Paris a week later. Rotolo eventually went to study at L'Univerita per Stranieri (University for Foreigners) in Perugia. Rotolo wrote that she later realized that this whole trip was set up by her mother to separate Suze from Dylan, and to impress Mary's new husband.
Dylan and Rotolo kept in touch by mail, and they sent each other gifts. In one correspondence, Dylan wrote that Rotolo was "in" some new compositions, including "Bob Dylan Blues", "Down The Highway", and "Baby, I'm In The Mood For You".
Rotolo has also been credited for inspiring Dylan's "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" and "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right". "Tomorrow" was written in August, 1962, while "Don't Think Twice" was composed a couple of months later.
Since Dylan's original masters are not available, please enjoy these cover versions by Nick Drake.
Nick Drake, "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"
Keep up with Bob Dylan Examiner news. Just click on Subscribe above, or follow @DylanExaminer on Twitter. Thanks for your support.
Comments
and, of course, "Boots of Spanish Leather"
sss
Why am i so sad, i never met her but always felt like i kinda knew her, one of the all time great album covers. Immortal, it captures young love so perfectly. Rest in Peace and be assured you'll never be forgotten because of this album and its timeless songs. Feel bad for Bob because it was true love and that never dies.
it's real sad on many levels esp for her husband and child. but we've always known her from the record cover and for the songs she's in. Dylan is probably kind of bitchy today. she'll always be alive walking down that long lonesome road. Happy as a lark.
Three indications that the sleeve of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan inspired the artwork of the famous zebra sleeve on the Beatles' Abbey Road album:
1) Both albums have a Volkswagen on the leeft sside of the road;
2) both have a cab on the right side;
3) both depict people walking in harmony, their feet in the same position.
Of course there were also differences, most prominently the Beatles were not walking on the road but merely crossing it. But that's the parody element.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!