Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've heard the famous story several times about the Byrds going into the studio with Gene, Dave, and Roger taking turns singing lead on Mr. Tambourine Man with the group as well as the producer deciding that Roger's version was by far the best after hearing the playback.

My question is, does Gene or David's version still exist? I'd love to hear either one (or both, but I'm not expecting that big of a miracle.) if anybody knows if they're still around or on a bootleg or anything.

Thanks!

I never heard that story, but I would seriously doubt it considering the short time the band was allowed in the studio for the first single. As you know, the only who was allowed to play his own instrument was McGuinn.
There is a bootleg, I think it's called "Unsurpassed", which has many outtakes from the 1st LP. It includes instrumental only and vocals only for "Mr. Tambourine Man" - but only harmonies from Clark & Crosby.

dustymurphy wrote:I've heard the famous story several times about the Byrds going into the studio with Gene, Dave, and Roger taking turns singing lead on Mr. Tambourine Man with the group as well as the producer deciding that Roger's version was by far the best after hearing the playback.

My question is, does Gene or David's version still exist? I'd love to hear either one (or both, but I'm not expecting that big of a miracle.) if anybody knows if they're still around or on a bootleg or anything.

Thanks!

Roger McGuinn relates this story as well, but I recall him saying it was more of a loose, informal "audition" at World Pacific studios with Jim Dickson acting as producer. It's doubtful any recording exists, if any recording was even made to begin with, because Dickson taped over much of that very early stuff.

By the time the Byrds went into Columbia studios to record their first single, the basic arrangement for Mr. Tambourine Man, with McGuinn singing lead, had been established.