A handwritten note by Bob Dylan that talks extensively about faith is on the auction block.
The one-page letter, signed Bob Dylan on Park Plaza Hotel letterhead, doesn’t have a date. It’s addressed to Steve, who is apparently in the military.
It reads in part:
“We are up in Toronto singing and playing for about 3000 people a night in a downtown theatre—The Spirit of the Lord is calling people here in their beautiful and clean city but they are more interested in lining up for Apocalypse Now than to be baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost—Wanna thank you for that Bible as it is helpful in discovering a few phrases from and shedding more light on what the King James version reads—God will lift up your heart as you begin to realize that ‘He thru Christ has reconciled man unto Himself’ (II Corinthians).”
He is likely referring to the film, “Apocalypse Now”, which was released in 1979. Dylan played in Toronto in 1980.
The item "is incredible," said Robert Livingston, executive vice president at Boston-based RR Auction. "It rare that you see hand"written letters from Bob Dylan on the market. You may see notes or lyrics but not real composed letters like this."
The letter continues: ” You will be strong in the Lord and seeing that looks are deceiving, you will work miracles that way—He has called you to be a saint and your responsibility is to him and him alone—Be praying and not looking back no more—press on toward what is ahead—I send love to you and will pray for strength and more strength for ya—Always in the name of Jesus Christ Son of God, Manifest in the flesh.”
Livingston said the item belongs to a Boston collector.
The auction has been live for several days and so far, the top bid for the letter is just under $9,000, he said. The auction closes at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The Marvels of Modern Music auction features more than 500 items including a handwritten letter by Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Ramone’s customized Hamer guitar.
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