In early 1997, Bob Dylan hunkered down at Miami’s Criteria Studios to record his first batch of new songs in nearly a decade. It did not go well—that is, until Dylan summoned Jim Dickinson, an obscure Memphis musician. Dickinson became Dylan’s trusted confidant and played a major role in the sessions that yielded Time Out of Mind. Drawing on John Lewis's candid conversations with Dickinson and extensive research at Tulsa's Bob Dylan Archive, Whirly Gig sheds light on the creative process behind this transformational album. Warren Linn’s illustrations and Amanda White-Iseli’s book design accentuate Dylan and Dickinson’s collaborative connection. Order your copy of Whirly Gig here!

You can also purchase the book at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa.  

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Here's what Whirly Gig readers have been saying...

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Thank you for writing such an interesting and informative book. I felt as if I was in the studio. The details about Jim Dickinson were priceless.

Eric W.

 

 

Just wanted to congratulate you on Whirly Gig. It’s always a thrill when people explore fresh ground rather than hoe the usual rows. Many thanks on the fine work.

 

Tom O.

 

 

I bought Whirly Gig as Time Out of Mind is my favorite Bob LP. Your book seemed interesting, but I was completely unprepared for how incredible it is. By far and away, the best book on Bob I have ever read. Even though it covers just one record I am astonished by the research and detail. Plus, it’s a nice book with excellent illustrations. What an absolute treasure to have.

 

Tim S.

 

 

Whirly Gig was a great delight to read, with such wonderful stories…. I'm very glad you wrote your book.

Greil M.

 

 

What a great book you've written! Every paragraph is a gem, in style and content. 

 

Tom F.

 

 

A quick thank you for such a wonderful book! I very much enjoyed your writing style, and I felt as if I was in the room during the sessions. And it is one of the best looking books I have ever owned. The graphic design, the drawings, and the prose worked together amazingly.

 

Randall D.

 

Stunning. Your book captured the magic underneath music that continues to move me.  

John F.

 

 

Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into Whirly Gig and for shining your journalistic light on a very important album in Dylan's canon.

 

Bennett F.

 

 

Thanks so much for writing Whirly Gig and crafting a wonderful tribute to Jim Dickinson. I enjoyed it immensely.

 

Tim S.