2012 Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame inductee Donovan has a dubious reputation as The Pop Star Who Lost An Argument With Bob Dylan - famously documented by cameras backstage in a portion of D.A. Pennebaker's classic 1967 documentary Don't Look Back when Bob Dylan and Donovan surrounded by a hoard of reporters and hangers-on (all in quasi Beat regalia - shades and sandals). After Donovan played a trademarked wistful, chart-topping love song ("To Sing For You") Dylan followed up by playing a wry-faced version "It's All Over Now Baby Blue".The difference between the two men was immediately obvious. Donovan was a talented pop star. Dylan was a musical genius. Donovan deservedly wowed crowds. Dylan rocked the world at it's emotional core with his own undeniable tales of hardship, struggle and endurance. Dylan's music was, and is, something people associated very much with the American spirit. A tale of an unending war being fought against poverty, greed, hypocrisy and maliciousness.
Donovan's music seemed like a dull narcotic in comparison. Nonetheless, Donovan recorded hit songs that are still in circulation on the radio today including Season Of The Witch and Mellow Yellow.
Donovan - Season Of The Witch
- Donovan.com, Official Website
- Youtube, Don't Look Back (1967) excerpt
H.P. Lovecraft