Bob Dylan's debut album was not a success following its release, today in 1962. At the time, its US sales totaled just 2,500 copies. Even today, Dylan still expresses his disappointment with the record.
What's more, the singer had come to be known as "Hammond's folly" in record company circles; in reference to John Hammond, the man who signed Dylan to Columbia records.
"Dylan was still difficult to record," recalled Hammond. "Bobby popped every 'p', hissed every 's'... habitually wandered off mike... and refused to learn from his mistakes."
 Folk legend Bob Dylan |
"It occurred to me at the time that I'd never worked with anyone so undisciplined before."
Nevertheless, the album cost just $402 to record and the 2,500 sales still made back the money, paving the way for Dylan's second album, 1963's The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.
Featuring 11 original songs by Dylan - his debut LP had just two original songs and covers of old folk standards - The Freewheelin'... would set the foundations for the singer's legend and legacy.
Dylan's building fame would see his debut LP eventually make the charts in 1965, reaching #13, and the rest is history.
Among Dylan's greatest moments from 1965 is the album, Bringing it All Back Home, from which a music score of track six, On the Road Again, signed by the singer is available on the collectors' market.
Earlier this year, in February 2010, Dylan would make another debut - as a painter whose works were exhibited in London.
Based on sketches made by Dylan on tour between 1989-92 (the early years of his decades-long "never-ending tour"), the paintings were unveiled at the Halcyon Gallery in London's posh Mayfair district.
The work's values ranged from £95,000 to incredible estimates of £450,000.
Characterised by vibrant colours and bold brushstrokes, the works include a series depicting train tracks and the paintings Sunflowers and Woman in Red Lion Pub.
"I just draw what's interesting to me, and then I paint it," said Dylan in a released statement.
Fortunately, the interest Dylan generates in others has continued his legacy as one of the 20th century's most influential figures.
In a recent interview, Dylan admitted that the number one influence on his songwriting is Robert Burns, the Bard of Scotland.
Last month, Paul Fraser Collectibles had the privilege of selling Burns' personal Bible, cherished during the last years of the poet's life and unseen in public since 1896.
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