Fifty-two years ago today, on Feb. 16, 1974, Bob Dylan scored his first-ever No. 1 album when Planet Waves topped the Billboard 200 chart.
The record marked a major moment in Dylan’s long career, proving that even after years away from touring, he could still lead the music world.
Planet Waves knocked You Don’t Mess Around With Jim by Jim Croce out of the No. 1 spot. The album then stayed at the top for four weeks before being replaced by The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand.
Originally, the album was going to be called Ceremonies Of The Horsemen, according toAmerican Songwriter. However, Dylan decided to change the title at the last minute. That choice delayed the release by two weeks. When it finally arrived on Jan. 17, 1974, fans were ready.
Special guest Bob Dylan performs in concert during Farm Aid at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center.Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images
The 11-track album featured 10 original songs written by Dylan. Two singles, “On a Night Like This” and “Something There Is About You,” reached No. 44 and No. 107 on the Billboard Hot 100. While those songs had only minor chart success, one track would grow far beyond the numbers: “Forever Young.”
Bob Dylan and The Band Reunite for a Historic No. 1 Album
One big reason Planet Waves stands out is its collaboration with The Band. Years earlier, when they were known as The Hawks, the group toured with Dylan in 1965 and 1966. At the time, some folk fans booed Dylan for using electric instruments.
After Dylan’s 1966 motorcycle accident, he stepped away from touring. During that quiet time, he worked with the future members of The Band in Woodstock, New York. Those recordings later became known as “The Basement Tapes.” The sessions also helped the musicians create their own identity as The Band.
The idea for Planet Waves came together in the summer of 1973 after guitarist Robbie Robertson moved near Dylan in Malibu, California. The two talked about hitting the road again. By September 1973, The Band rehearsed with Dylan. Soon after, he agreed to both record an album and organize a tour.
Recording for Planet Waves took place from Nov. 2 to Nov. 14, 1973, at The Village Recorder studio in Los Angeles. The album was produced by Rob Fraboni. The cover featured a black-and-white drawing by Dylan himself, and the back included a poetic essay he wrote.
Shortly before the album’s release, Dylan and The Band launched a tour that began with shows in Chicago on Jan. 3 and 4, 1974. The tour ended in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 13 and 14. Later that year, they released a live album titled Before The Flood, mostly recorded during those Inglewood concerts.
Today, at 84 years old, Dylan is still touring on his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. Looking back 52 years, Planet Waves stands as proof that even after setbacks and long breaks, a great artist can rise to the top again.
Related: 1977 Classic Was a No. 1 Best-Selling Song Released by ’60s Rock Legend
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