How Many Roads: Black America Sings Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's songs impacted on 1960 black American singers in a way that few (if any) of his peers compositions were able to. It was through Dylan's important protest songs that artists such as Sam Cooke found their way to articulate dissatisfaction at being regarded as second-class citizens. Some of the best recordings of Bob's later love songs have been by artists from the worlds of soul, jazz and blues.

How Many Roads celebrates black America's love affair with the songs of Bob Dylan via 24 diverse interpretations of some of his best, and several of his least known songs. From the intense gospel of the Staple Singers – one of the first acts in any genre to cover Dylan material – through to the funky jazz of Sarah Vaughan, all the bases are covered and covered comprehensively. It will surprise many to learn just who from the world of soul has, at one time or another, applied their vocal talents to a Dylan song, and surprise many others just how eclectic some have been in their choice of repertoire.

All of these songs are established Dylan classics, to one degree or another. Some of these versions will be very well known to everyone, others have dwelt in obscurity virtually since the day of their first release several decades ago and many are making their CD debut here. Together they make for a fascinating reinterpretation of the catalogue of one of the most important singer-songwriters of all.