In a catalog as rich as Bob Dylan’s, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” perhaps stands as his greatest. That’s not to say his other songs weren’t of the same quality, but there really is something about the folk-rock track that has struck a deep emotional chord among millions of listeners worldwide. In fact, in the streaming era, the song currently has over 840 million plays on Spotify, with “Like a Rolling Stone” — generally considered his most commercially successful single — placing second. Apart from being the most-listened-to track from his discography, it is also one of the most covered. But among those covers, there’s one musician Dylan considers covered it best: Bruce Springsteen.

With a collection of songs as iconic as it is wonderfully written, a lot of artists offered their own renditions of Dylan’s most celebrated songs. That makes him the most covered singer-songwriter in history, with “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” receiving several reimaginations from other artists like Eric Clapton, Guns N' Roses, Avril Lavigne, Ed Robinson, Nick Cave, and so much more. Some reimagined the song with a different language, some opted to stay true to the original material, and there are some who flipped the original’s sound and made it their own. Others may argue Guns N’ Roses’ hard rock interpretation of the beloved track is the best, but Springsteen’s version (although it was only a live version) was the one Dylan called “incredible.”

Bruce Springsteen Performed "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" With Tom Morello During 2015's MusiCares Person of the Year

Back in 2015, the multiple Grammy-winning musician was hailed as that year’s MusiCares Person of the Year. To honor his legacy and contribution to the industry, several artists performed their renditions of Dylan’s songs, including Sheryl Crow, Neil Young, and more. But while each cover was remarkable in its own right, it was Springsteen’s performance of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” alongside Rage Against the Machine’s guitarist Tom Morello that really captured Dylan’s attention — even reverently so. Audiences that night got to witness several covers of Dylan’s hit, including that of Springsteen’s. Unfortunately for us, the entire performance isn’t available on any platforms, but judging from the clip itself, Springsteen surely deserves such high praise by none other than Dylan himself.

“[Bruce Springsteen] did that song like the record, something I myself have never tried. I never even thought it was worth it. Maybe never had the manpower in one band to pull it off. I don’t know, but I never thought about it. To tell you the truth, I’d forgotten how the song ought to go,” said Dylan. “Bruce pulled all the power and spirituality and beauty out of it like no one has ever done. He was faithful, truly faithful to the version on the record, obviously the only one he has to go by.”

Related

Bob Dylan's Greatest 1970s Album Contains Some of His Most Ruthless Lyrics

This Bob Dylan album remains one of his most honest and raw works to date.

Posts

By  Karly B.

Of course, that compliment carried massive weight. Receiving praise from Dylan was enough in itself, but for someone like Springsteen — whose biggest musical influence is Dylan — it was certainly a full-circle moment. Over his decades-long career, he has established a reputation for vivid, character-driven storytelling rooted in everyday American life. And part of his lyrical genius could be attributed to his influences, including Dylan, whom he called “the father of my country.” He said: “I was very influenced by Dylan. I always say he’s the father of my country. He initially provided me with a picture of a country that I recognized. One that feels real, feels like the truth.”

Springsteen isn’t the first or only artist who speaks of Dylan fondly. But The Boss is definitely one of the biggest figures to do so. When he was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to induct Dylan into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, he recalled the first time he was inspired by the legendary musician, saying, “The first time that I heard Bob Dylan I was in the car with my mother, and we were listening to, I think, maybe WMCA, and on came that snare shot that sounded like somebody kicked open the door to your mind, from ‘Like a Rolling Stone.' And my mother, who was – she was no stiff with rock and roll, she liked the music, she listened – she sat there for a minute, she looked at me, and she said, ‘That guy can’t sing.’ But I knew she was wrong. I sat there, I didn’t say nothin’, but I knew that I was listening to the toughest voice that I had ever heard."