Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan Performs Noami Wise Live at Riverside Church Hootenanny Special
Venue: Riverside Church
Location: New York, New York, United States
Date: July 29, 1961
In July 1961, Bob Dylan delivered a powerful live performance at Riverside Church in New York, showcasing 'Noami Wise,' a haunting ballad ripe with narrative depth. Just before this recording, Dylan had released his self-titled debut album in March 1962, marking the beginning of his incredible journey in folk music. Interestingly, this performance hints at Dylan's growing stage presence and his playful, unrefined charm, like when he juggles a coat hanger as a harmonica holder—improvisational moments that reveal his raw, artistic spirit. This concert is a snapshot of Dylan on the cusp of fame, as he was shifting from a struggling artist into a prominent voice of his generation.