The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has shared a new ensemble rendition of Bob Dylan‘s 1964 classic “The Times They Are A-Changin”. This new cover features contributions from Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash, and The War and Treaty and serves as a fundraiser for Feeding America.
In the song, released via Bandcamp last week, NGDB leader Jeff Hanna bookends the track with the first and final verses. Between those two ends, each vocalist delivers a unique vocal performance that is able to make a song so iconic and familiar appear in a new light. From Earle’s gravely outlaw country drawl to Cash’s powerful ballad gusto, each singer is able to put their own mark on the song’s timeless lyrics.
Though the track, originally released on Dylan’s 1964 album of the same name, may seem older than time itself, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was founded just two years after the song’s release.
“I’ve been a fan of Bob Dylan’s since I was a teenager, living in California,” Hanna said. “I was fortunate enough to see him sing ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ in concert the year the song was released. It moved me deeply then and that hasn’t changed. The lyrics are as relevant today as they were when Dylan wrote it. Maybe even more so.”
Listen to the track below and consider purchasing it via Bandcamp to help Feeding America. Each donation of $1 can provide up to 10 meals for children, families, and individuals facing hunger across the county.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Roseanne Cash, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell, The War and Treaty – “The Times They Are A-Changin'” (Bob Dylan)
[H/T Rolling Stone]