14 Comments
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Steve Elliott's avatar

A fascinating account. I had no idea Dylan and all those poets went to the Soviet Union during Glasnost. I have lived in Moscow since 2007 and next time I go to Red Square, I'll think about his Bobness wandering round there.

Ryan Webber's avatar

Congrat's on your 2nd! Switching from zone defense to man-to-man isn't to be taken lightly. Enjoy!

jochen markhorst's avatar

From Holland congratulations on the birth of Maya Rose, Ray.

Great interview, lovely insights.

Perhaps a fun fact: the ‘Tolstoy estate’ episode provides setting for a chapter in the surprising, highly entertaining novel Die Köchin von Bob Dylan (“Bob Dylan’s Cook”, Markus Berges, 2016), a novel in which the protagonist Jasmin by chance gets a job as a tour cook for Dylan. She immerses herself in her peculiar boss, perhaps believing Chronicles a little too much. For topographical reasons Tolstoi has been changed to Chekhov (the novel is largely set in Ukraine).

Greetings!

The Absurd's avatar

Congratulations ...

... on another great post ;)

Just kidding! Congrats on becoming a father again.

Puts everything else into perspective for sure.

Paul Doane's avatar

You have a unique ability to continually find valuable Dylan treasure. Congrats on the new child but bear in mind talent like yours should be put to "proper" use, which we love and appreciate.

With the Bobster a lifelong recluse, which is his right, having this source is a godsend.

nightly_moth's avatar

This is really interesting!.. Thank you for this post. I have often been interested in this trip over the years, and tried to find out more about it, so I am glad to see this here. nm.

greg lamm's avatar

Not sure what you meant by saying you were the first artists to go to the Soviet Union because of the Cold War. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band broke down barriers when they toured there in the 1970s, and Elton John and percussionist Ray Cooper also performed there in the late 1970s.

Graley Herren's avatar

Fascinating! I knew none of this, Ray--great literary scoop! Wonderful images, too, and I really dig Ragan's poem "The Tent People of Beverly Hills." Quite a birthday present. Speaking of births, congratulations, Ray, and give my love to Maya Rose!

chazread's avatar

This is a great piece Ray, thanks so much for all you do. And huge congrats on the birth of your second – and kudos for organizing your work flow so you will have this precious time. You rock.

Klops's avatar

I always enjoy reading your articles. Congratulations on the arrival of your daughter! 🎈

Paul Doane's avatar

Another wonderful read. Music to my eyes.

Daniel Hagedorn's avatar

Also another great interview too! I often learn so much. Thank you!

Daniel Hagedorn's avatar

Congrats! That’s wonderful to hear. Enjoy your time off