Musically, Bob Dylan does whatever he wants. He’s never been one to be tied to one image or genre. And he’s never been one to let popular opinion hinder him from pursuing new musical territories. Even at 83-years-old Dylan continues to perform individualistic acts without fear of public scrutiny. However, when you are the most prolific songwriter of all time, you get a pass.
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Given Dylan’s nonadherent actions, there have been a vast amount of eyebrow-raising moments in his career. Going electric at The Newport Folk Festival and denying the Ed Sullivan Show are just two of the rebellious acts performed by Dylan. One that is seemingly forgotten about is Dylan’s conversion to Christianity and the release of his debut Christian album, Slow Train Coming.
Bob Dylan’s Conversion
According to Light Come Shining: The Transformations of Bob Dylan, it was 1978 when Dylan found Christ. Stating, “an audience member apparently threw a small silver cross onto the stage,” and Dylan later “experienced the overwhelming presence of Jesus” while in a hotel room.” Dylan later exclaimed, “Jesus did appear to me as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,” per Light Come Shining: The Transformations of Bob Dylan.
It was from this religious epiphany that Dylan found the inspiration for his 1979 album, Slow Train Coming. Recorded between April and May of 1979, the recording of the album marked a major transition in both Dylan’s music and life. The momentum he garnered from the ’60s and early ’70s had petered out. All fans seemingly wanted was the old Dylan. However, Dylan being Dylan, did what he wanted. As he shed every image he once had and recreated himself.
Public Reaction
As one might assume, the response from the masses was mixed. Dylan purists seemingly have toiled with this album due to it being a bit hypocritical given his criticism of Christianity in early songs such as “With God on Our Side.” Contrary to this belief, Rolling Stone coined it as the “best album Bob Dylan has made since The Basement Tapes.” Of course, the evident Christian values in this album would ruffle some feathers. Nonetheless, Dylan still chugged along and received many accolades for the album.
In addition to winning a Grammy, the album peaked at No. 2 on the UK charts and reached No. 3 on the US charts. Reaching No. 3 on the US charts also gave the album platinum status. Regardless of the public, the release of the album marks a defining moment in Dylan’s career. Particularly, it adds another layer and version to the complex artist’s many identities.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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