Bob Dylan’s Original Typewritten “Mr. Tambourine Man” Lyrics and More Set for Auction in 2025

Photo Credit: William Claxton

This January, a new collection of Bob Dylan’s archival material will go to auction. Opening to bids from the public on Jan. 18, 2025, the latest event from Julien’s Auctions will feature 50 pieces from journalist Al Aronowitz, who played a crucial role in forging Dylan’s artistic connections, introducing him to Allen Ginsberg and the Beatles for the first time. “Celebrating Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive, T Bone Burnett, & More” will take place at Nashville, Tenn.’s Musician’s Hall of Fame & Museum, with a special accompanying exhibit running from Dec. 18, 2024 through Jan. 17, 2025.

Among the highlights of the items listed is the Ionic Original disc of “The Times They Are A-Changin’” from Dylan’s session with T Bone Burnett—a relic with an estimated value of $400,000-$600,000. According to T Bone Burnett, the Ionic Original is not only “the definitive version of this indelible song,” but also uniquely relevant. “Hearing Bob Dylan sing ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ sixty years after he wrote it is a moving experience,” the producer shared. “The times, have, in fact changed, and the listener can hear the gravity and the consequence of the sixty years of life that have passed since he first wrote and recorded the song.”

Lots of memorabilia is set to go for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with the two pages containing three original typewritten drafts of the lyrics to “Mr. Tambourine Man” at a predicted value of $400,000-$600,000, a 1968 oil painting between $200,000-$300,000, a 1983 Fender Telecaster for valued at $80,000-$120,000. The one-month special exhibit will be the sole opportunity to view the entire collection, which also includes a signed harmonica, signed lyrics for “Blowin’ In The Wind,” an embellished Levi’s denim jacket from Hearts of Fire, and rare ephemera like sketches, photos, and programs. A full list of items is available at the Julien’s Auctions website. 

News of the Aronowitz archives auction arrives amid a lucky streak for Dylan fans. Last week, Tulsa, Okla.’s Bob Dylan Center announced a star-studded concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of Blood on the Tracks, set for Jan. 24. After a premiere last week, the hotly anticipated A Complete Unknown Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet will arrive in theaters worldwide on Dec. 25; read up on Dylan’s response to the film here.