1961 Bob Dylan Gerdes Folk City New York Handbill Fine 51

This 1961 flyer from Gerdes Folk City marks ground zero for the greatest decade in rock music history. This simple advertising handout forecasted a change in the wind, stating, “The Sensational BOB DYLAN was about to take the world by storm.”

By 1960, The First Era of Rock and Roll was over. Elvis was in the Army, Chuck Berry was in jail, and Little Richard was in the ministry. However, two seemingly unrelated events would change the course of music history forever: The Quarrymen became the Beatles, and Bob Dylan traveled to New York to meet his hero, Woody Guthrie. Over the course of the next 10 years, Bob Dylan and The Beatles would influence each other's art and change the course of music. Three years later, their worlds collided when Dylan “turned on” The Beatles, on August 28, 1964, to be exact.

Dylan's early performances were steeped in the Beat culture of lower Manhattan. He befriended Allen Ginsberg and soon became the folk music hero of the Kennedy era. Never to be pigeonholed, his music turned electric in 1965, and that's where the real fun started.

Dylan, arguably the greatest songwriter of the 20th century, yet never had a #1 record himself until age 78. The #1 cover of “Blowin’ in the Wind” in 1963 by Peter, Paul, and Mary pretty much sealed his commercial potential. This love-worn paper artifact pinpoints the moment when young Bob Dylan took off. A September 29 review of the opening show at Gerdes by The New York Times' Robert Shelton was the first indication that Dylan was to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Within weeks, he would be introduced to producer John Hammond, and the rest is history.

The flyer is beyond scarce. We found one previous auction result. In 2019, Heritage Auctions sold one for $2750. Heritage, who have grown the top end of this collectible in recent years, only produces tepid results for Dylan material. What could the reason be? Our estimate for this piece is $5,000 minimum. If it were a Beatles item of the same caliber, we would add a zero to the end of that. Earlier this month, a near-perfect copy of the 1966 cardboard poster sold for a steal at $11,000. The point is that Dylan collectibles are seemingly an incredible value for collectors.

This 8 ½” x 11” flyer is in expected condition given its age and the intention for it to be disposed of. There is paper loss and tape stains, a few tears and spots, and even a red ink note in the top left to mark the year. Even with these flaws, this flyer is more suited for an institution than a collector's lair. Consider this opportunity while it's available. It is unlikely to present itself again anytime soon…

Condition Details: paper loss, stains, tears, creases.

--CRITICAL DETAILS--
--TITLE: Bob Dylan Gerdes Folk City
--GRADE: FINE 51
--PERFORMERS: Bob Dylan, Lonnie Johnson, Victoria Spivey, David Gude, Greenbriar Boys
--VENUE: Gerdes Folk City
--CITY: New York, NY 
--DATE: 9/26-10/8/1961
--SIZE: 8.5 x 11"
--PRINTING: OHB-A; Original Pre-Concert First Printing Handbill

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