Synopsis

Another chance to hear a series assessing Bob Dylan's career at the end of three decades - 1969, 1979 and 1989 - and, with the help of those who have worked with and written about the enigmatic star, exploring the ways in which he re-invented himself at those times.

Part 1: 1969 - Nashville Skyline.
Having been out of the public eye for quite some time, Dylan returned with a new album, a new sound and new look in 1969. The album Nashville Skyline surprised many with its simple country-tinged songs. He appeared on Johnny Cash's TV show and chose to return to the concert stage not at Woodstock, but at the Isle of Wight Festival.

In this programme we hear from Judy Gascoyne, who was housekeeper for Bob and Sara Dylan while they stayed at a farm on the island to rehearse with The Band in a barn. Bob entertained his friends The Beatles at the farm and played tennis with them. We also hear from Dylan biographer Howard Sounes and musician and Dylan chronicler Sid Griffin as well as former England cricket captain Bob Willis, who added the name Dylan to his forenames and has seen Dylan live around fifty times.