A Ramblin’ Anecdote

I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Jack Elliott about 15 years ago, in Pasadena, while we were both waiting for our ancient Land Rovers to be repaired (“Using a Camera to Get Closer to Dad,” by Susan King, Aug. 27). He proudly showed me his latest acquisitions: a trucker-type driver’s seat with air suspension and a bright blue epoxy paint job. We discussed the problem of weak Land Rover back axle shafts, then he took me to lunch at a Mexican joint.

Back at the shop, he mentioned to Hugh Stewart, the mechanic, that he was going to the Dylan concert later that evening, and Hugh asked how he had gotten the tickets, which were hard to get. Elliott replied, “Aw, I ain’t got a ticket, I’m just fixin’ to go in an’ see him.” Hugh expressed doubts that anyone could just “go in.”

I had to tell Hugh what my wife had told me years before: “Jack Elliott was Bob Dylan before Bob Dylan was Bob Dylan.” Jack liked that. Charming chap.

RUSSELL K. BUCHAN

San Pedro