Bob Dylan is one of the most influential figures in music history. Known for his poetic lyrics, distinctive voice, and ability to reinvent himself across decades, Dylan has left a profound mark on folk, rock, and beyond. But even a singular talent like Dylan has gained inspiration from others along the way. Over the course of his career, he’s worked with an eclectic mix of artists, from rock legends to unexpected musical pairings, each collaboration revealing different facets of his artistry. Here are seven of Bob Dylan's most significant collaborations and how they enriched his legacy.

1. Bob Dylan and The Band

One of Dylan’s earliest and most iconic collaborations was with The Band. Their partnership began in the mid-1960s when the group—then known as The Hawks—became his backing band on his controversial "electric" tour. This marked a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career, as he transitioned from acoustic folk to electrified rock, causing waves of protest among folk purists.

Their partnership deepened in the late ’60s when Dylan and The Band retreated to a house in Woodstock, New York, famously dubbed Big Pink. There, they recorded what became known as The Basement Tapes, a collection of raw, intimate songs that blended folk, rock, country, and Americana. These sessions became the blueprint for countless artists exploring roots-based music.

The collaboration culminated in The Band’s own debut, Music from Big Pink (1968), which included songs like “I Shall Be Released,” written by Dylan. The partnership has continued to influence generations of musicians and remains a highlight of Dylan’s career.

2. Johnny Cash (The Nashville Sessions)

Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, two titans of American music, came together during Dylan’s Nashville Skyline period in 1969. Dylan had just shifted to a more country-inspired sound, and Cash was the perfect partner to usher him into this new phase.

The two recorded a series of songs together, including a memorable duet of “Girl from the North Country,” which opened Nashville Skyline. Their voices—a blend of Dylan’s nasally quirk and Cash’s deep baritone—created a contrast that was strangely harmonious.

Though only a handful of their collaborations made it to official releases, their work together signified a mutual respect between two artists from very different musical worlds. Cash’s endorsement of Dylan also helped bridge country and folk audiences at a time when the two genres often felt worlds apart.

3. George Harrison and the Traveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys was the ultimate "supergroup," uniting Bob Dylan with George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. The idea for the band was born in 1988, almost accidentally, when Harrison needed a B-side for his single. When the group of friends gathered to record together, the resulting chemistry was so electric that they decided to form a band.

The Wilburys released their debut album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 in 1988, which was a commercial and critical success. With songs like “Handle with Care” and “End of the Line,” the group delivered a perfect mix of humor, heart, and sheer musical talent.

For Dylan, the Wilburys marked a fun and collaborative chapter in his career. His playful pseudonym within the group—Lucky Wilbury—showed a lighter side of the famously enigmatic artist. The project gave Dylan a chance to step back from the spotlight and simply enjoy creating with friends, which in turn re-energized his solo work in the following years.

4. Joan Baez (Folk Royalty)

Joan Baez was already a folk star when she took a young Bob Dylan under her wing in the early 1960s. Their relationship—both professional and romantic—became one of the defining stories of the folk revival era. Baez believed strongly in Dylan’s talent and introduced him to her audiences, cementing his place in the burgeoning movement.

The two performed together frequently during this time, creating unforgettable live moments like their duets at the 1963 March on Washington. Songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” became anthems for civil rights and social justice, with Baez and Dylan at the forefront of the movement.

Although their romantic relationship ended, their mutual respect endured. Baez paid tribute to Dylan in her poignant song “Diamonds and Rust,” and the two reunited onstage in later years, proving that their friendship and shared musical legacy would stand the test of time.

5. Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton (Crossroads)

Though not a formal partnership, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton have crossed paths in meaningful ways throughout their careers. Most notably, Clapton recorded a slow, bluesy version of Dylan’s “Knockin' on Heaven’s Door,” bringing new life to the classic track.

The two legends worked together directly on Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration in 1992, where Clapton performed a blistering rendition of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” in tribute to Dylan. Clapton has often expressed deep admiration for Dylan, referring to him as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Their collaborations remind us of Dylan’s long-standing influence on fellow musicians, particularly those who, like Clapton, have sought to interpret his work in their own unique way.

6. Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler (Slow Train Coming)

Mark Knopfler, the lead singer and guitarist of Dire Straits, made a significant impact on one of Dylan’s most divisive albums, Slow Train Coming (1979). This album marked Dylan’s turn toward religious themes after his conversion to Christianity, with Knopfler lending his signature guitar sound to the record.

Knopfler’s clean, melodic playing brought depth and texture to songs like “Gotta Serve Somebody” and “Precious Angel,” complementing Dylan’s raw, impassioned lyrics. Though the album’s religious message was polarizing, it won Dylan his first Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

Their collaboration didn’t end there. Knopfler also produced Dylan’s 1983 album Infidels, adding his finesse to tracks like “Jokerman.” Together, they created music that stood out both sonically and thematically in Dylan’s catalog.

7. Bob Dylan and Patti Smith (A Shared Poetic Spirit)

Patti Smith, often called the godmother of punk, has long been a devoted admirer of Dylan’s work. The two share a deep appreciation for blending music and poetry, which has resulted in some stunning moments of collaboration.

One of the most memorable came in 2016, when Patti performed Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” at the Nobel Prize ceremony, where Dylan was awarded the Literature prize. Her moving interpretation brought the room to tears, proving that Dylan’s influence extends far beyond his own performances.

Smith and Dylan also collaborated onstage at various points, with their mutual respect shining through every time they shared the spotlight. Their connection underscores Dylan’s ability to inspire artists of every genre.

Bob Dylan’s collaborations reveal his boundless curiosity and willingness to explore different sounds and ideas. Whether backing up folk legends, forming supergroups, or joining forces with fellow musical pioneers, Dylan has shown that even the greatest individual talents thrive through collaboration.

Together, these partnerships represent the many chapters of Dylan’s career, each one adding new layers to his vast and incomparable legacy.