1961
New York Times review and Columbia contract
Robert Shelton's glowing New York Times review of Dylan's show at Gerde's Folk City appeared in September 1961, and John Hammond signed him to Columbia Records soon after.
No photograph or film of it is free to use; this card stands in for one.
Dylan was opening for the bluegrass group the Greenbriar Boys at Gerde's, but Shelton's review gave the young unknown most of the attention, praising his originality and his rough charm. Around the same time he played harmonica on a recording session for the singer Carolyn Hester, where the veteran producer John Hammond noticed him. Hammond offered him a contract with Columbia, an unusual move for a major label with a scruffy folk singer, and some at the company doubted the decision. His first album, Bob Dylan, was recorded quickly in late 1961 and came out in 1962. It consisted mostly of traditional songs and blues, with only two originals, and sold modestly. Shelton remained a supporter and later wrote a full biography of him.