Bob Dylan is contributing to the soundtrack of a new biopic centering on Ronald Reagan. The film, starring Dennis Quaid, will also feature music by Gene Simmons, Clint Black, and Tanya Tucker. Dylan recorded a cover of Cole Porter’s 1934 tune “Don’t Fence Me In,” which has been made famous by artists like Bing Crosby and Gene Autry.
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Quaid, who will star as Reagan, spoke to Spin about Bob Dylan’s involvement and connection to the film. “I was honored to have Bob join our film,” said Quaid. “We gave him the freedom to do any song he wanted to do, whether an original or a cover, and he chose ‘Don’t Fence Me In.’ That was extra special since it was a song that Gene made famous.”
Having a song on the soundtrack that was popularized by Gene Autry is special for Dennis Quaid in particular—Quaid is a third cousin to the Singing Cowboy.
Quaid continued, “Bob is a great lover of the American Songbook and we were delighted with the way he delivered the song. He’s a national treasure and was the perfect addition to the film.”
Bob Dylan Delivers Cover of “Don’t Fence Me In” for Reagan, Tune Made Popular by Gene Autry
Bob Dylan is not the only iconic musician to choose covers from the Great American Songbook. KISS’ Gene Simmons has covered “Stormy Weather” for the film. Pulling from more recent times, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” will close the film, covered by Clint Black. Allegedly, Tanya Tucker will also be involved in the soundtrack, though those details have not been released yet.
“Stormy Weather” was written in 1933 and first performed by Ethel Waters at a club in Harlem. She recorded the song with the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra that year as well. Since then, it has been made famous by Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and more iconic artists of the time.
Speaking of Sinatra, he will appear in Reagan as well. In an interesting career move, Creed’s Scott Stapp was case as Sinatra in 2020. The film was originally supposed to premiere in 2021, but was delayed. Now, it is set to release on August 30, 2024. Bob Dylan’s version of “Don’t Fence Me In” hasn’t been released yet, but it will be interesting to see how it fits into the film.
Featured Image by Le Saux Lionel/Sipa/Shutterstock
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