Dylan, Harrison's tribute to Ellie Greenwich

The legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Ellie Greenwich died on August 26 at age 68. Greenwich either wrote or co-wrote plenty of hits for other artists in the 1960’s, including “Baby, I Love You”, “Chapel Of Love“, “Do Wah Diddy“, “Hanky Panky“, “I Can Hear Music”, “Leader Of The Pack“, “River Deep, Mountain High“, “Then He Kissed Me”, and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”. Greenwich’s success, often in collaboration with Jeff Barry (her husband at the time) and Phil Spector, came at the end of the Brill Building era.

Once Bob Dylan and The Beatles arrived on the scene in the mid-1960’s, writing the majority of one's own material became the norm. The days of the Brill Building’s songwriting dominance were numbered. On “Theme Time Radio Hour”, Dylan often played records from the pre-rock and roll era, and spoke of it with obvious affection. The Beatles cut their musical teeth on much of the music from this time as well.

On May 1, 1970, George Harrison attended an informal Dylan recording session in New York City. Charlie Daniels, Russ Kunkel, and Bob Johnston were also present. Much of the music from this session has found its way into the hand of collectors, while one track, an alternate version of the “New Morning“ track “If Not For You”, appeared on “The Bootleg Series (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991, Volume 2“.

From the sound of these recordings, it seems that the scope of this material may have been inspired by the presence of the former Beatle. From Carl Perkins songs, to covers of “Cupid” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream”, to a wide range of Dylan tunes, this session sounds as loose and fun as the Beatles’ ill-fated 1969  “Let It Be” sessions were not. At one point, presumably at the behest of Harrison, Dylan sang a song co-written by Ms. Greenwich, “Da Doo Ron Ron”.

As you can hear, Dylan and the gang are having a lot of fun with this number. It seems like Dylan's improvised lyrics may have also been inspired by the Shirelles recording of  “I Met Him On A Sunday”.

While we’re at it, let’s hear Dylan’s take on a Beatles classic from the same sessions. Listen for Harrison’s comment at the end of the song.

The following year, Dylan would be the surprise guest at Harrison's "Concert For Bangla Desh".  They remained friends for the rest of Harrison's life, most famously collaborating as members of The Traveling Wilburys.  When Dylan played Liverpool earlier this year - on May 1st - he performed George Harrison’s most popular composition, “Something”, 39 years to the day after this session.

For more info:   Ellie Greenwich wiki, A tribute to Ellie Greenwich 1940-2009,  Traveling Wilburys, Beatles Examiner interview with Alan Frasier about Dylan in Liverpool.