The self-titled debut, released in 1962, was not a big seller for Columbia Records, causing some to question why producer-executive John Hammond signed the raw young troubadour.

Looking back, the original album notes heralding Bob Dylan’s self-titled 1962 debut were both insightful and prescient. Clearly inspired, New York Times writer Robert Shelton (under the pen name Stacey Williams) called the then 20-year-old Dylan “the most unusual new talent in American folk music,” “one of the most compelling white blues singers ever recorded,” “a songwriter of exceptional facility and cleverness,” and “an uncommonly skillful guitar player and harmonica player.”

Despite this high and accurate praise, Dylan’s album debut was not a big seller, causing some in the industry to question the wisdom of Columbia Records producer John Hammond’s strong belief in the talent of the raw young troubadour. The esteemed Hammond — who discovered the likes of Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and later, Stevie Ray Vaughan — was the person responsible for signing Bob Dylan to Columbia, and he produced the eponymous first record as well.

— The Hollywood Reporter

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