Bob Dylan’s  debut studio album was produced by Columbia talent
scout John H. Hammond, who had earlier signed Dylan to the label,
a decision which was at the time controversial. The album primarily features folk standards, but also includes two original compositions, "Talkin’ New York" and "Song to Woody". The latter was an ode to Woody Guthrie, a major influence in Dylan’s early career.

The album did not initially receive much attention, but it achieved
some popularity following the growth of Dylan’s career, charting
in the UK three years after its release, reaching #13.

Bob Dylan in the studio recording his debut album in 1961.

Robert Dylan (Robert Allen Zimmerman) will be 81 in May.