Exploring Greenwich Village's Music History: From Dylan to Springsteen

Did you know that both Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen were not only discovered by the same Columbia Records executive, but that their careers were virtually launched at the same intersection in Manhattan's Greenwich Village? It's time to hit the streets and discover the many spots around The Village that tie into the history of American music during the tumultuous, but vibrant, 1960s and '70s.

Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on a stroll through Greenwich Village and visit the places where musical careers were launched, and fame was found, by many notable artists during the 1960s and '70s.

Led by Ann McDermott — a licensed New York City Tour Guide and music lover for decades who personally experienced this creative period in The Village's history — our unique experience capped at 10 guests will include:

• A visit to the club that Bruce Springsteen once played at on Bleecker Street to an audience of only eight people
• The connection between Italian food, folk music, and the launching of Bob Dylan's career
• What happened in Washington Square Park in 1961 that almost “stopped the music”
• The spot where “Hard Rain's Gonna Fall” was written and its connection to the Woodstock Festival
• Stand in the area where Bruce Springsteen was told his life was going to change when he became a recording artist for Columbia Records
• A visit to current and former clubs where famous artists like Jimi Hendrix and Patti Smith played at
• What role Izzy Young, owner of the Folklore Center in The Village, had in helping many bands break through
• A visit to the “crummy” hotel over Washington Square Park that Bob Dylan and Joan Baez shared
• A discussion surrounding Columbia Records executive John Hammond, from who he discovered to his connection to Anderson Cooper and the civil rights movement
• The opportunity to take a photograph in the very spot where Dylan’s second album cover was photographed on a cold February day in 1962

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**This tour concludes near West 4th Street and 6th Avenue

About Ann

Ann McDermott, a native born New Yorker has spent her whole life in NYC born in Brooklyn, working in midtown and going to Rock shows where ever they happened. She's spent the bulk of her career in IT in various positions and she's well versed in the technology behind the music as well as the people who "made it happen". Once upon a time she worked for Warner Cable the company that launched MTV as well as ATCO records. In 2019 she became a licensed New York City Tour Guide and looks forward to showing you around!

Testimonials

"The leader was knowlegable, personalble and efficient" -Thomas

"Ann's tour was so enjoyable, her research was thorough & entertaining & I learned so much." -Mary

"The guide was excellent - knew a lot of details and also delivered just the right amount information." -Peggy

"Ann McDermott as a wonderful tour guide, and I look forward to the next time for another tour." -JT

"So many great/interesting nuggets and stories; guide was knowledgeable and engaging" -Susie

"Great knowledge. Friendly." -Jess

"The mix of familiar and interesting new information." -Wendy

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club