The sixties in a song

“Mr. Tambourine Man” was a song that marked the peak of The Byrds’ success in the 60s. The song was a cover of Bob Dylan’s original, and The Byrds’ version added their signature jangly, electric sound that became known as the “folk rock” genre. The band was at the forefront of the 60s counterculture movement, and their music was a reflection thereof.

To the band, “Mr. Tambourine Man” was more than just a cover; it was a statement about the world they lived in. Lead singer Roger McGuinn once said that “Mr. Tambourine Man” was a “euphemism for a drug experience,” which was indicative of the drug-fueled subculture of the 60s. The song’s dreamy, surreal lyrics and psychedelic sound captured the spirit of the era and became a cultural touchstone.

The Byrds performed “Mr. Tambourine Man” on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1965, a performance that is often cited as a defining moment in the band’s history. The performance was notable for its use of a 12-string Rickenbacker guitar, which helped create the band’s signature sound, and for the way the band members harmonized with each other. The Ed Sullivan Show was a hugely popular program in the 60s and served as a platform for many musical acts of the era, making The Byrds’ appearance on the show a significant moment in the history of 60s music.