I had to write this because, on three separate occasions, people have told me I have “Bob Dylan hair.” And every single time, that’s immediately followed by a tidal wave of terrible Dylan impressions — like saying his name triggers a Pavlovian response in every Drunk Uncle who ever owned an acoustic guitar and a troubadour dream. Everyone thinks they’ve got a Dylan impression. They only have an impression of an impression. From comedian friends to audience members, they all do that same thing, where Dylan apparently sings every single word he speaks. “Heyyy, can I getta turkeyyy subbb?”
Here’s the thing — Dylan is not easy to do. His voice sounds like a haunted kazoo whispering poetry through a cigarette filter in a Nash Rambler driving through the Midwest. It’s part mystery, part upper respiratory issue. That’s why James Austin Johnson is the man. His Dylan isn’t just accurate; it’s him talking. He cycles through eras like he’s flipping through radio stations: early Folk Dylan, Smooth Crooner Dylan, Coked-Out Rolling Thunder Dylan, and my favorite — “Disney vulture” Dylan.
Rich Hall’s got the cranky, seen-it-all Dylan down pat, and somehow Ethan Hawke managed to make “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” sound like a lost track from Blood on the Tracks. But the truth is, no one truly does Dylan — not even Dylan. The man’s been changing his voice and style for 60 years. A great impression isn’t about getting the notes right; it’s about channeling that amazing point of view in the moment — the sense that you’re hearing a prophet, a poet, and a guy who might ask if you’ve got any rolling papers, all in the same breath. The answer, my friend, is still blowin’ in the open mic night.
Impressions are hard. I used to try them all the time, annoying everyone — now I usually only do characters in act-outs. I don’t claim they are spot on, I am more essence of someone in the moment. I have so much respect for impressionists (when they’re good). It’s an art form that’s part mimicry, part madness, and a little bit of masochism. I may be biased, but Craig Gass is one of my favorites. The guy can slip into voices so cleanly it’s like he’s got a Rolodex of souls. I just hope someday he sends me a Bob Dylan to prove me wrong — because if anyone could make Dylan sound like Dylan, it’s Craig. Who is your favorite impression.