365 Days of Dylan, Day 61: Early Mornin' Rain

365 Days of Dylan, Day 61: Early Mornin' Rain from Self Portrait (1970).

I have longtime, fond memories of Early Morning Rain, or in this case, Early Mornin' Rain.

Written by Gordon Lightfoot and first released on his 1966 debut, Lightfoot!, I first came to know the song from Lightfoot's re-recording on 1975's Gord's Gold. His performance is light a favorite, warm comfortable sweater. Made me smile everytime it came on the radio. Still does. Though now the "radio" is often Spotify, YouTube or iTunes.

I've come to appreciate and enjoy Dylan's version too. Starts with a gentle, almost south-of-the-border guitar, piano and harmonica. He's a smooth, relaxed crooner on this one.

Need to go beyond Lightfoot or Dylan? You have plenty of choices. Peter, Paul and Mary, Ian & Sylvia, Judy Collins, Chad & Jeremy, Jerry Reed, Elvis Presley and Paul Weller all made the charts with a version of the song. 

Yearning for home and the promise or hope brighter days ahead, Early Mornin' Rain is a perfect traveling song.

Gordon Lightfoot, live in Chicago, 1979

Peter, Paul and Mary

Jerry Reed

Ian & Sylvia with Gordon Lightfoot

Alison Krauss and Union Station

Paul Weller

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365 Days of Dylan, Day 26: This Wheel's On Fire

365 Days of Dylan, Day 26: This Wheel's On Fire from 1967's The Basement Tapes, written by Bob Dylan and Rich Danko. Lyrics.

    

"This Wheel's on Fire" is another well-covered Dylan tune.

The Band kicks off its rendition from Music from the Big Pink with a cracking, static organ riff.

  

From The Last Waltz, The Band's farewell concert.

The Byrds' Cover from Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde.

Lovely version by Ian & Sylvia from the All American Songs collection.
Their cover also appears on the album The Best of Vanguard Years and Nashville.

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The Band, "This Wheel's On Fire." 

Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger, "This Wheel's On Fire," from "Top Of The Pops" Show (1968).