Written by Bob Dylan for his 1967 album John Wesley Harding, “All Along the Watchtower,” has since taken on a life of its own. Not long after Dylan released his version, the best guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix, cut a rendition for his album Electric Ladyland. That version became a top-20 hit in 1968 and led Dylan to praise Hendrix’s interpretation.
Since then, a myriad of artists has covered the track, including my personal favorite, Dave Matthews. In 2001, “All Along the Watchtower” earned a Grammy Hall of Fame Award and was later ranked as one of Rolling Stone magazine’s top songs of all time.
Videos by American Songwriter
Below we have three versions from three of our favorite songwriters, including Dylan, himself.
Which is your favorite?
Read an analysis of the meaning of the lyrics to “All Along the Watchtower” here
Bob Dylan
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Dave Matthews Band
Most Viewed
-
Tim Curry in Rocky Horror Picture Show -
American singer and guitarist Slim Whitman (1923-2013) playing a Gretsch custom acoustic guitar during a press conference at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London, 18th February 1956. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
British guitarist, singer and songwriter Mark Knopfler (left) plays a Schecter Stratocaster as his band, Dire Straits, including Hal Lindes (right), performs live in concert at Wembley Arena in London, England, July 1985. Dire Straits played twelve dates (between 4th July and 16th July) at the venue as part of their 'Brothers in Arms' Tour. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images) -
1990 MTV Video Music Awards (L-R) American musicians Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joe Perry, Steven Tyler and Joey Kramer, of the American rock band Aerosmith, pose with their Moonman award backstage during the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California, September 6, 1990. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images) -
Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple, who recorded a classic rock album any dad would love to have. -
Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone in Rhinestone -
Queen – Freddie Mercury, Queen – Freddie Mercury (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images) -
(Photo by John Lynn Kirk/Redferns/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)