NPR

'My Fifth Career': Bettye LaVette Reinvents Bob Dylan For Herself

The 72-year-old soul star reflects on a lifetime of overcoming industry skepticism and making Dylan's lyrics personal on her latest album Things Have Changed, her first major label release in 30 years.
Bettye LaVette's <em>Things Have Changed </em>is out now on Verve Records.

There's been no shortage of musicians who've covered Bob Dylan songs over the years. On Things Have Changed, however, soul powerhouse Bettye LaVette reinvents the timeless music and lyrics of the folk singer into an intimate career retrospective all her own.

LaVette says she didn't have a relationship with these songs before the project, which she counts as a stroke of luck that allowed her to reshape otherwise well-known music. In songs like "Emotionally Yours," she was able to mine new depths

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
Guatemalan AG Raids Save The Children Office Over A Migrant Children Rights Complaint
Prosecutor Rafael Curruchiche said that the complaint filed by an unidentified foreigner had raised serious concerns because it involved allegations of abuse of children.
NPR2 min read
New Staffing Updates To The Short Wave Team
Congratulations to Berly McCoy and Rachel Carlson for becomming permanent producers and Regina G. Barber for becomming full time co-host!
NPR2 min read
Chicago's 'Rat Hole' Is Removed After The City Determined The Sidewalk Was Damaged
The imprint of an animal had been a quirk of a residential block in Chicago's North Side for years but a post on social media brought it new fame, which neighbors found to be a nuisance.

Related Books & Audiobooks