In 1969,
Lou Adler was one of the hottest producers and songwriters in Los Angeles, having worked with
the Mamas and the Papas,
Carole King,
Sam Cooke,
Johnny Rivers,
the 5th Dimension,
Spirit, and many others. Struck by the melodic influences of vintage gospel music in the songs of
Bob Dylan,
Adler was inspired to bring together some of the best session vocalists in California -- nearly all of whom had a background in gospel -- and make an album that cast some of
Dylan's best-known songs in a brand new light.
Dylan's Gospel, credited to
the Brothers and Sisters of L.A., was the result, with
Merry Clayton,
Gloria Jones,
Clydie King,
Edna Wright,
Patrice Holloway and many others bring heart, soul, and gospel fervor to tunes like "I Shall Be Released," "Chimes of Freedom," "My Back Pages," "Mr. Tambourine Man," and more.