Bob Dylan granted his most extensive interview in years to The New York Times in advance of his upcoming new album, Rough And Rowdy Ways, which will be released on Friday (June 19th). Dylan, who's now 79, spoke about several topics and touched upon mortality, saying, “I think about the death of the human race. The long strange trip of the naked ape. Not to be light on it, but everybody’s life is so transient. Every human being, no matter how strong or mighty, is frail when it comes to death. I think about it in general terms, not in a personal way.”
When asked about two recent deaths that impacted him — his childhood hero Little Richard and his friend, songwriter John Prine, Dylan explained, “Both of those guys were triumphant in their work. They don’t need anybody doing tributes. Everybody knows what they did and who they were. And they deserve all the respect and acclaim that they received. No doubt about it. But Little Richard I grew up with. And he was there before me. Lit a match under me. Tuned me into things I never would have known on my own. So I think of him differently. John came after me. So it’s not the same thing. I acknowledge them differently.”
In reference to the late-Glenn Frey being mentioned in his recent track, “Murder Most Foul,” Dylan was pressed as to what his favorite Eagles songs were, revealing: 'New Kid In Town,' 'Life In The Fast Lane,' 'Pretty Maids All In A Row.' That could be one of the best songs ever.”