The Story of How "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan was Recorded - Al Kooper

In this video, Joe Chambers, CEO and Founder of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville, TN, sits down with MHOF Inductee Al Kooper. Al was invited to the recording session by Dylan's Producer, Tom Wilson to watch. What ended up happening would change everyone's life as he got the chance to play the Hammond B3 organ on the recording.
Dylan would then invite Al to play on the rest of the album making him the most famous organ session player of the time. He created a sound that was widely imitated during that period.
The interview was recorded at the original Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN. Visit us here: www.musiciansh...
Send inquires here: www.musiciansh...
This interview is part of a series of interviews called the Musicians Hall of Fame Backstage. See the whole Backstage Interview Catalog here: / @musicianshalloffamemu...
Support the Museum here : www.musiciansh...
Merch! - Get yours here: shop.musicians...
Facebook: / musicianshalloffame
Instagram: / musicianshalloffame
Twitter: / mhfm
Trip Adviser: www.tripadviso...

[@MarilynJWenker]

i was in an apartment in NYC in 1965 with someone closely affiliated when i was asked if i wanted to hear Bobby's new tune. I said, "yes." the tune was Like a Rolling Stone. it had only just been released. my host played it all night long on a turntable over and over and over. i thought it was the best year of my life.

[@pardon6237]

Ok busdy

[@randyhodges8782]

I can see that.

[@IvanLendl87]

“I don’t care what he is - make the organ louder.” 🤘

[@stevestroh2267]

The guitar player that he said was so much better than he, was Mike Bloomfield. I love this story. He took the bull by the horns and changed the trajectory of his career. The organ helps make the song great.

[@Lantanana]

I always loved that organ in Like a Rolling Stone! I still love it!

[@rzu7120]

Lantanana I agree, and I feel the same way about Charlie McCoy’s guitar on Desolation Row!

[@steveglassman9341]

I went back and listed to Like a Rolling Stone for the 2000th time and just listed to the organ. He does come in a beat late. Without the organ it would have been a different song.

[@larrygeetar9309]

You all should read Al's book, Backstage Passes and Back Stabbing Bastards. The first chapter he starts by saying something like, "OK, I'm gonna start with a story that's been told by a lot of people but I'm the one who was there and I'm telling you the way it really happened." Al Kooper has always been one of my very favorite musicians. The book is a great read for anyone interested in true tales of a rock and roll wanderer and visionary.

[@jimhoffmann]

I will look for that, thanks.

[@janetwebb1507]

LMHO

[@firstnamelastname-im5iz]

I bought Backstage Passes in 1979 and read about that recording session. His book was full of great stories, especially the great New York City power blackout of 1965.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

This story literally blew my mind. This guy is some kind of pure genius to come up with one of the most incredible organ parts in history.

[@brötzmannsax]

"My organ style was based on ignorance" wow, what a great, unbelievable story getting himself on that session. The only other organ player who sounded as good playing that song was Garth Hudson in my opinion.

[@donnajones1603]

"Chest Fever" my all time favorite Band song .....

[@felixlara183]

WOW, what a story. I've heard that "rumor" since the 60's or as I have several friends that are studio musicians. But to hear it from the guy, amazing.

[@marygrove9805]

oink ooink gy

[@marygrove9805]

Bob is the coolest and the upmost!!!!

[@clarkewi]

Kooper's organ in the intro is a key part of this great song.

[@jimbeaux4988]

Imagine that's your first real organ part on a record.

[@misterknightowlandco]

Thats like if jon lord bugged a producer to get in on a deep purple session and his first time on the b3 was smoke on the water

[@joemarshall4226]

The most important organ part in rock history! Without that organ, there would be no fold-rock. I guess he also played on Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands, Visions of Johanna, etc....

[@mamachip]

Imagine that's your first real organ part, PERIOD, and in two weeks, you're hanging with Bob in the Village in the 60's, and famous for being and organ player.

[@defoperator7993]

This is such a great story, technique isn’t always the most important thing.. soul is what matters

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks DF.....Joe

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

"It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission." Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper :-)

[@TucsonBillD]

Great story… that guitar player that humbled Al was Mike Bloomfield. That meeting led to a lifelong friendship between Al and Mike which lasted until Mike’s unfortunate passing, and resulted in several records featuring Al and Mike, starting off with the 1969 “Super Session”.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Bill…. joe

[@dutchray8880]

Great story on top of a great story. So much came out of that chance encounter.

[@thomasbest8599]

I have the C D with Stephen Stills. And Fillmore East with Johnny Winters

[@rogerparis]

He’s a fantastic story teller!

[@iamrichrocker]

i could listen to these ol' warriors all night long..matter of fact..everybody should listen to these folks..they knew music..real music...thx for the video..

[@johnmoreno96]

Amazing how music history takes place, unplanned by chance, the right musician doing something right and a “masterpiece” created. I have listened to LARS thousands of times and never tire of it.

[@jchi1ds]

This has got to be one of the of the most inspiring and heartwarming stories ever, whether you are a musician or not.

[@zebratangozebra]

Saw Al Kooper in 1968 at Hobart College, Geneva NY. I was 18 . Will always remember their concert.

[@jimmystrickland1830]

What a great interview! Al Kooper is just awesome, what a great story teller, great insights!

[@wasfazed]

how can you not love Al Kooper

[@johnnorth9355]

To this day since first release this is my all time favourite track for so many reasons including that organ part.

[@jeffthepoet7]

What a great story. Makes ya smile. At 21, Al was 90% ambition and 10% talent. "Now I'm 90% talent and 10% ambition."

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

People ....Listen to Al Kooper And The Kooperators.... Al's song writing and playing is top notch.

[@paulbadoo9326]

He came up with the most recognizable lick of the song, responding to every "how does it feel" with the organ.

[@bornjust2003]

This has to be one of the all time best musician stories ever LOL LOL

[@ds2jim]

good ol' Al Kooper. one of the coolest guys, ever, and probably the closest thing there is in rock music to Forrest Gump- being at the right place at the right time. read his book. this one story only scratches the surface!

[@gj8683]

Wilson didn't say that Kooper couldn't play organ; he just told him he was a guitar player. It is important to pay attention to what people are NOT saying, isn't it?

[@markrodgers2976]

And didn't Kooper clearly make that exact point? It's equally as important to listen to what people ARE saying, isn't it?

[@michaelcelani8325]

Hey , well Kooper had played the organ before...just not at a recording session. He is a Natural musician that is for sure...with a good voice. A real Sixties character.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

What an incredible opportunity, Al comes across as such a humble man but he is super talented, wonderful story!

[@amherst88]

Love that story, never get tired of listening to it -- Dylan knew what he wanted his art to sound like and, as most artists and filmmakers know well, 'accidents' can be the best parts.

[@fivestring65ify]

Loved this interview. Situations like this is when the magic happens.

[@keithnaylor1981]

Amazing story! I wonder how many millions of musicians would have loved to be invited to a Dylan session in 1965!

[@user-yc9wh6qz5g]

This guy is cool. Just look at him he's the truth. We all need a chance.

[@xstugee]

Thanks so much for this fantastic piece of music history Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching xs… Joe

[@summerlakephotog8239]

I lived in a LA when “Like a Rollin Stone” was number one on local radio. KHJ and KMET played this longest hit song ever over and over. The organ were the song’s signature sound. What a great story.👏

[@jimhoffmann]

Joe, I watched this interview again last night. I have seen it 3 or 4 times already. Having interviewed many well-known rockers (e.g. Pat Vegas) for the Redbone memoirs (“My Search for ‘Niki Hoeky’: Granddaddy of Swamp Rock,” “Come and Get Your Love,” “King Kong Pete”), this is one of THE BEST INTERVIEWS I’ve ever heard, period. This is like “time capsule,” send on a “rocket ship to the stars” caliber interview. I think it’s a combo of your down home southern gentleman interview technique and the pure deus ex machina moment in the story where Tom Wilson literally - like a god - changed Al Kooper’s life, and Rock ‘n’ Roll History without even intending to. Naturally, Al Kooper is an INCREDIBLE story teller.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Boko... Glad you enjoyed it... my thing is to get them to tell a story their sick of telling one more time hopefully getting something never heard and then keep my mouth shut unless they get off track. Let them complete their thoughts. I know nobody wants to hear me talk and frankly I hate my voice and am truly interested in what my guest are saying. Thanks again for your kind words and supporting our channel... Best... Joe

[@jimhoffmann]

Joe, that’s an interesting interview technique. You taught me a unique skill that I never would have though of. Thanks!

[@Harpplayer504]

Great Job Al,you had balls!

[@suzyflorida1193]

He obviously had more talent than he thought. He's not fooling me one bit. Great story anyhow.

[@neilphelan145]

Wonderful listening to this man. And then there was Super Session!! Talk about a masterful recording!!

[@lucky-rowe2623]

What an amazing story and it reminds me of my Aunt Carlie . She love Bob Dylan and it was my job to put on his album when she would arrive to Thanksgiving to our home each year.

[@snertster]

Great story!!

[@BuddaGuedes]

What an incredible story! Thanks for sharing. And by the way that’s the Hammond way to be played.

[@xotimojaco2540]

Al is acredited to having been the organist on Positively 4th Street, Just Like a Woman and I Want You. To me, that organ sound, as a 10 year old kid in a car headed to church on a Sunday morning, was somehow unique among the Stones, Beatles, Supremes ect....of that era.

[@impalaman9707]

Didn't he also play the opening organ on "Freebird", just before the piano kicks in, when he was producing Lynyrd Skynyrd? That sounded very "churchy", too!

[@xotimojaco2540]

@@impalaman9707 I can't find that but maybe?

[@impalaman9707]

I just checked Wikipedia to be sure. He did play the organ on "Freebird"!

[@Stratomaster989]

Hearing this song as a young child , It was always the organ that grabbed me . Well done Mr Kooper on a happy accident that turned out amazing !

[@TropicalLatitude]

I've always felt the organ made the song. It's all I ever heard.

[@countdown2xstacy]

I agree !

[@randyhodges8782]

It's very good. The more you know.

[@michaelhall6340]

Don't let al kid ya,he knew his shit even back then. Great ear, improv skills, master in the studio who worked with everyone who was someone from Lennon to Skynyrd. Al was a humble genius.

[@jx14aby]

A good read is "Positively 4th Street: The life and times of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Mimi Baez Farina and Richard Farina." It tells the story of when Richard Farina told Bob Dylan, 'If you want to be a songwriter, you better find yourself a singer. All you've got to do is start screwing Joan Baez." Bob said, "That's a good idea - I think I'll do that. But I don't want her singing none of my songs."

[@mahatmacote6478]

Hmm, not sure if you can trust these kinds of stories, authors often put sensationalism in to sell copies! Tragic that Richard isn't around to confirm it. Dylan was a couple of celebrated albums and a lot of hype into his career before he and Joan Baez were dating too surely?

[@jx14aby]

@@mahatmacote6478 - Read the book. There are some great stories in it.

[@mahatmacote6478]

@@jx14aby I read Bob's own book and story part 1. I'm not so sure other bios featuring occasional 'sensational tales' are up my street really.

[@kitano0]

One of the best rock n' roll stories...

[@robertwiehl1819]

That was a great story!! Thanks!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching...

[@steelframe]

What a great story. And what a great story teller! Wish I could give more thumbs...

[@RoxxHoffner]

What a cool story!

[@michaelcelani8325]

I saw Mike Bloomfield in Boulder Colo. in January 1978. He did not play much..was lying down on the stage next to the drums. Kind of hidden. I waited for everyone to leave and he was the last person to walk out right by me . I couldn't come up with anything to say to him so we just stared at each other.! That was at Tulagi's...still there.

[@leesanna7835]

Another Gem, Joe 🙏

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Lee…..Joe

[@scottmclennan6114]

Al Kooper could have made a great lawyer if he wasn’t in the music biz. He has a nice way of interpreting reality as he thinks it needs to be.

[@luvbasses5487]

I was very fortunate to have heard this story told to me, directly by Al himself. See, 15 years ago Al formed a band of all Berklee professors in Boston called “The Funky Faculty.” My close friend Tom, bassist in that band had me tag along to gigs and such for the better part of two years. I’d take photos with my Nikon F100 and share the pics with Al and other members after development. Well lucky me.... Al used one of my photos for the inner sleeve of his Black Coffee CD. Was an exciting time....getting to hang out and talk to a session legend. I’m forever grateful.

[@jimhoffmann]

Awesome story and memories.

[@roaring_angels]

Awesome story!

[@luvbasses5487]

...one time Tom and I went over to Al’s home, in Somerville, Massachusetts. Al led us downstairs to his studio and while kind of nosing around, we noticed a closet with its doors ajar. On the shelving were tapes. Labeled master tapes. The Sweet Home Alabama and Freebird masters! My heart definitely skipped a beat upon seeing these right before my eyes. Tom and I were like two little kids, snooping around the Christmas presents, giggling like a couple fifth graders....! Man we had so much fun.

[@mikeharpist]

The lesson for any wannabe musician is: The best music you will ever play will be the stuff that comes from deep inside you-beyond technique.

[@patsurtees4129]

I agree with that, my husband Len played bass on the Peter Green Katmandu album which was mostly jammed and on the 'Who's that knockin' track he said that was the best he ever played as It was recorded on a first meet of Peter and Vincent Crane .

[@chrislongley]

That is a *_GREAT_* story

[@jean-louislalonde6070]

What a story!

[@ryanmosher8445]

Wow hell of a story

[@allanspence1347]

What a great guy.

[@joebloe1401]

EXCELLENT STORY - EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!!

[@rogerdodger5415]

That was great in so many ways. Al Kooper goes way back to the 60’s for me. It’s amazing to hear how he did what he did! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mungous1000]

Kooper also wrote Gary Lewis' "Who wants to buy this diamond ring." I discovered Al when he was the creative force of the Blues Project, a much under-rated group. That group was powerful! Al, I found, also was in the Royal Teens from the fifties and had a hand in writing "Who wears short shorts." How old was he then? When cds came out, the first one I ever bought was B,S & T's Child is Father to the Man, a desert island disc for me. When the David Clayton Thomas BST songs come on my radio, I switch stations.

[@gtw541]

Damn good story! Thanks to all involved!

[@pgrabar]

Loved Al in the Blues Project.

[@artysanmobile]

90% ambition, 10% talent has been the startup formula for many now-legendary musicians. Ambition gets the gigs which enable the talent to grow. I confess that formula was my entree to the business.

[@riffdigger2133]

Recorded 15 years ago, when he was 64-now 79 in 2023. Born: 1944 (age 79 years). Thanks, Al for all the great music. Michael Sherrer aka Riff Digger.

[@impalaman9707]

Even better was his organ playing on "Postiively 4th Street"! I find myself whistling that organ phrase all the time!! Very tuneful and melodic!!

[@ralphroe5625]

I think this is my favorite "behind the scenes" story I have ever heard. Life is sometimes opportunity and sheer luck colliding like two meteors.

[@3340steve]

You are a thousand times talent Al Kopper.....thanks for blowing my mind.....over and over again.....

[@neub4321]

More insightful and honest than I expected.

[@iznot2]

Gotta live Al pooper. Loved him with the Blues project (they made one of the best live albums ever) and followed him through the great super sessions recordings. A great talent.

[@malcolmadams2105]

When I win the lotto I will continue these types of playing with musicians until it sounds right. Because I still believe in it.

[@Challender]

Al Kooper could listen to him tell his rock stories all day. Damn Al that was a totally ballzy thing to do no one else can say that talk about right place right time.

[@braxtonolita]

seriously thank u for this mahalo

[@RockHardRiffs]

Luck is preparedness meeting opportunity. What a great story!

[@techobsessed1]

Good luck is also the absence of bad luck. We wouldn't be hearing this story if he'd had some bad potato salad the night before and spent the day in the bathroom, rather than a recording studio.

[@raymondwilson293]

awesome ♥️

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Fantastic!

[@larydixon4824]

This story is Golden ! It's such a perfect example of the recording processes during those incredible days when everything was based on actual Talent, there was no pitch correction and no one would even consider the idea of a time grid.. At that time everything was New and exciting.. The music industry in the 21st century has lost the Human Element that made all of those records so Powerful and memorable.. What a great time for music ! Thank you so much for sharing this great story.. Lary

[@DJK3115]

OMG That is truly amazing! I've always loved Al Kooper. One of my favorite albums of all time is Child is Father to the Man. Although Blood Sweat & Tears was made up of many talented musicians, Al's work really stood out to me. Thanks for posting this interview!

[@tunesmith7437]

Here is the perfect SERENDIPITOUS MOMENT FULLY ILLUSTRATED. Rock on Al.

[@kanealson5200]

My God what a great story from a great storyteller. One thing that comes across as well as this Al Kooper is an extremely likeable guy and someone you'd like to spend the day with.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching your Kane….. Joe C.

[@timallbritton7329]

What a great story. Too funny and good for Al!

[@yadigjamesgang-xs7jj]

Al Kooper knows all about Lynyrd Skynyrd and Muscle Shoals and such. Great Musician and Producer.

[@robertmcglinchey3347]

What a great story and without the organ on a monitor it showed even more expression “to be a complete unknown” haha - I live by “Damn the rules, it's the feeling that counts. You play all 12 notes in your solo anyway.” - Coltraine BTW - in 1963 with trusty isolating headphones and amp at 11 - I’ve been blessed with 56 years of nasty tinnitus’. On the hand I do plan to take Hiway 61 from Canada to NOLA with Bob’s biography in hand

[@whyme3286]

That was a great interview!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks...

[@debbierogers6340]

Love my Bob Dylan😘😘😘😘

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

We’re going to put out a pretty cool clip maybe next week with a number of session players who played on Dylan’s Nashville recordings including his producer. Stay tuned. Best, Joe

[@debbierogers6340]

Thank YOU! That is awesome to hear!!💙 God Bless YOU

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

God bless you too!

[@clarkewi]

And there were several other great organ parts on "Highway 61 Revisited". Were those all Al's work? If so, Al made a huge contribution to Dylan's sound in that very legendary period.

[@Tonetwisters]

Ended up playing Hammond, as I recall ... licks that made the song, and he wasn't even a keyboard guy. This is a great story. I loved this song DEARLY, first time I ever heard it. Yeh, Al ... I been a guitar player for 58 years, played out weekends for 35 years. Now I'm 72 years old and just as always ... ZERO per cent talent and NO per cent ambition anymore! I'm just happy on those days that I can breathe and, maybe walk without so much pain!

[@PC160]

That cut was THE song heard EVERYWHERE at Newport, '65 (Dylan "goes electric"). You could NOT escape hearing it! Amazing! All capped by Dylan's performance Sunday night.

[@gibsoneb3]

I believe he also played the organ part in the studio on LS’s ‘Free Bird’

[@tessjuel]

Al Kooper was the one who discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd and got them a record contract. He also prouced their first album and played and or did backing vocals on several tracks, including "Sweet Home alabama" and, as you said, "Free Bird"

[@billsmith7573]

Listen to his piano playing on “If Dogs Run Free” from Dylan’s New Morning album.

[@douglasrandall6737]

I would’ve loved to of heard the organ at the end of this interview.

[@imjspaceman]

I've literally read hundreds of books about rock music and would say that Al's autobiography, "Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards" is absolutely one of most entertaining of them all. Interesting, informative and humorous. Check it out.

[@monkmchorning]

A great book. I had the first edition. Read it and lent it to a friend. Never saw it again. So I bought the second edition and reread it. Lent it to a friend. Never saw it again.

[@imjspaceman]

​@@monkmchorning I saw there was an updated version out and was wondering if there was enough new content to make it worth buying. Pretty entertaining read though.

[@miraclemeditations3919]

I LOVE THIS STORY!!!! He was at the right place, at the right time, he believed in himself, he had one opportunity, he took full advantage of it, and he changed his life. Wow! This reminds me of my own personal memory about that album. I had a buddy, Mike Digini, in the old neighborhood who often needed a loan of a few bucks. A few bucks in those days was like twenty or thirty now. Anyway, he "sold" me his Highway 51 album for a few bucks with the idea that he could buy it back from me whenever he wanted. We had done that many times before. Most of the time I didn't even play the albums he sold me. I would just wait for him to buy them back whenever he could. Anyway, I listened to this one and was blown away! When he wanted to buy it back I said no way! I couldn't stop listening to it. I didn't have any idea who Bob Dylan was - I didn't even know how to pronounce his name- but I knew a classic when I heard one.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Miracle.... great story... thanks for sharing... Joe

[@0Imtheslime0]

Could listen to Al Kooper tell stories from the 60´s and 70´s all day long..

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Al's a low key guy and been a real pro since he was 14 years old . Amazing ... Hope he has pictures of Dylan and Hendrix .

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Highway 61 Revisited is an iconic album, for sure. So good! Cheers!

[@markrodgers2976]

Terrific interview, what a great story !! It's probably already mentioned somewhere below, but I believe Kooper also played the organ in the Rolling Stone's "You Can't Always Get What You Want", as well as the French horn, and maybe the piano, IIRC. He also produced the first few Skynyrd albums.

[@nathanwahl9224]

Pretty cool story. I'm trying to learn this song for our 3-piece band, and I'm probably singing it, playing bass guitar on keys, plus the organ part, or a one-handed version thereof. And listening to the song and then a dozen covers after that, the original is one of the very few where the organ player "gets it" and delays the chords by that eighth note (-ish, it's not done precisely, more of a feel thing) during the verses. It adds so much, which people probably feel, but have no idea why! Hopefully it will help make our performance of it better. In fact it'll be easier to play, actually. And it's cool paying tribute to the 'old guys' like Al.

[@janeewalker]

I love you Al Kooper !! And your polka dot shirt - and your guts and your organ playing !!! I have read your book several times. Love it.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Jane…….Joe

[@BobWadeGuitar]

That riff is so signature but only a guy with low skills would have played it! I actually heard this story from Al Kooper one night years ago when I did sound for him. He has so many great stories...

[@MoneyDrugsMurder]

This comment make me think of Cobain. He did a few lessons but the guy who was teaching him says that he didn't take that in he just did his own thing and it worked wonderfully. As we know his guitar was basic but it was his own style and sound. He thinks if he had learned more before he started writing and recording he probably would have never created the music he did.