Everyone who lived through the era of folk singers and folk music
are familiar with names of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez……..but, the”King” of them all was folk singer, Dave Van Ronk. He took over Greenwich Village, and specifically Washington Square Park. Van Ronk was a merchant marine who developed his own following and became one of the first white, urban blues singers in his own unique style.
Bob Dylan came into the picture when Dave Van Ronk had already accomplished half of his career. It was said that Bob Dylan spent the first years sleeping on Van Ronk’s sofa. Dylan, in those early days, aspired to be as popular as Dave Van Ronk. Just think of all the talented folk singers who passed through Greenwich Village…….The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul, and Mary. Van Ronk was there and befriended them all, and set the bar high for excellence.
Whether you are a 60’s music fan, or just curious about the musical life of Dave Van Ronk, reserve your copy of “The Mayor of MacDougal Street”, and be entertained!
A piece of interesting trivia…..”The House of the Rising Sun” was Dave Van Ronk’s original song, but without asking permission first, Bob Dylan recorded it. Van Ronk was accused of stealing it from Bob Dylan. Then, when The Animals recorded it, Bob Dylan was accused of stealing it from them!
Also interesting will be the movie, “Inside Llewellyn Davis“, starring Justin Timberlake and directed by the Coen brothers.