On This Day in Music - Jimi Hendrix Records All Along the Watchtower

On January 21 1968, Jimi Hendrix recorded his version of “All Along the Watchtower”, a song written and recorded by Bob Dylan. While Dylan’s version remains a solid example of his gifted songwriting, I would argue that it is Hendrix’ interpretation that gives the lyrics the powerful music that they deserve. With its regular radio play on classic rock stations, Hendrix’ version is also the one which introduces most listeners to the song, many of whom are likely ignorant of the song’s origin and version recorded by Dylan in 1967. The song has lived on in other versions, with one of my favorites being U2’s performance in San Francisco in 1987 during their free lunchtime concert at Justin Herman Plaza. Memorialized in their movie Rattle and Hum, this performance bears mention not because of a uniquely powerful interpretation, because honestly their version is quite anemic and does not approach the power the Jimi Hendrix Experience gave the song in 1968. It is worth watching because it is an example of Bono at his peak egotistical self (which makes him such an amazing performer), as he just can not resist adding his one verse which serves best to magnify the greatness of Dylans original words, and for that matter Hendrix’ singular version.