BOB DYLAN BECAME THE FIRST MUSICIAN to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, setting off headlines and worldwide debate. As a tribute, Common Ground is proud to present a collection of rare photos that capture the essence of the young folkie in a tender era unmarked by his eventual fame.
This rare glimpse comes courtesy of the late Joe Alper, who met Dylan for the first time in May 1961 in Branford, Connecticut. Joe was 37 and Dylan was still a teen. A friendship ensued, and Dylan would stay at Joe’s house and allow him to capture moments of unusual innocence and smiles, often in the company of Dylan’s then fiancée, Suze Rotolo.
Alper drove Dylan into New York City to record his first session with the legendary producer John Hammond in what would become The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, and the rest is history. Dylan became Dylan. Joe died in 1968, but his legacy lives on and we are grateful.
All images by Joe Alper. Special thanks to Edward Elbers, who manages the Joe Alper Photo Collection LLC.
