The Beatles and Bob Dylan were two of the world’s most influential musical acts in the middle of the 1960s. In 1964, the Fab Four’s first encounter made them aware of the benefits of cannabis. There was mutual respect for each other’s work. However, a discernible competitive advantage surfaced at different times throughout the decade.
When The Beatles first crossed paths with Dylan in New York in 1964, the encounter reportedly elevated them so much. Paul McCartney even thought he had discovered the meaning of life. But Ringo Starr, not knowing the protocol for sharing, held onto the joint rather than passing it along. Victor Maymudes, Dylan’s road manager, then rolled a joint for each member of the band after realizing their inexperience. Starr recalled, “We got high and laughed our asses off.”
But while McCartney and Dylan were significant figures in the world of legendary music, John Lennon was clearly partial to a different, lesser-known rock vocalist. The disclosure is fascinating, particularly considering Lennon’s lack of interest and varying devotion to both musicians throughout time.
During an interview with Rolling Stone in the 1970s, Rolling Stone asked John Lennon about the artists he looked up to. He initially called himself an “ego-maniac” to avoid the topic. But after that, he praised a wide range of musicians, mentioning names like Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Frank Zappa. In addition, he praised visual artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol.
He continued by talking about his wife, Yoko Ono. He remarked, “Yoko is as important to me as Paul and Dylan combined.” “I don’t think she will be acknowledged until after she passes away. There is me, and I think I could count on one hand the number of people who have any idea of who she is, what goes through her mind, or the significance of her work to this generation of f*ckin’ idiots.
Perhaps Lennon’s long-standing jealousy toward other artists was a result of Ono’s lack of fame. For example, his opinion of Dylan’s artistic ability remained unwavering. He once said, “I see him as another poet, or as competition,” in response to a question about his feelings toward the singer. He went on, “You read my books that were written before I heard of Dylan or read Dylan or anybody, it’s the same.” I’ve been here forever; I didn’t follow Elvis [Presley] and Dylan.”
In one of his last interviews, Lennon acknowledged bias against the preaching style Dylan was promoting. He said, “I don’t want to say anything about a man who is searching or has found it,” while discussing Dylan’s work. Saying, “This is the only way,” is regrettable. If someone says, “This is the only answer,” that’s the only thing I have against them. I prefer not to know about that. Everything cannot have a single solution.
