Jeff Buckley's Tribute to Bob Dylan in the Early 1990s

The late singer-songwriter covered several of Dylan's classics during his brief but influential career.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:38pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering, crumpled metallic foil textures in high-contrast lighting, representing the glamour and artistry of the 1990s music scene.The late Jeff Buckley's covers of Bob Dylan classics during the early 1990s showcased his deep reverence for one of music's most influential songwriters.Atlanta Today

In the early 1990s, the late Jeff Buckley had a deep admiration for Bob Dylan and covered several of his songs both live and in the studio. Despite a regretful review of one of Dylan's performances, Buckley continued to champion the legendary singer-songwriter, recording covers of classics like "Just Like a Woman," "If You See Her, Say Hello," and "Mama, You've Been on My Mind."

Why it matters

Buckley's covers of Dylan's songs showcase the young artist's reverence for one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century. These recordings provide a unique window into Buckley's creative process and musical inspirations during the formative years of his career.

The details

Buckley often performed Dylan covers during his live shows in the early 1990s, including a medley of "Grace" and "I Want You" where he mimicked Dylan's style. He also recorded several Dylan songs in the studio, including "Just Like a Woman," "If You See Her, Say Hello," and "Mama, You've Been on My Mind." These covers were later released on posthumous Buckley albums like "You and I" and expanded editions of "Live at Sin-é."

  • In November 1993, Buckley saw Dylan perform at the Supper Club in New York City.
  • In early 1993, Buckley recorded a cover of Dylan's "Just Like a Woman" shortly after signing to Columbia Records.
  • In the fall of 1993, Buckley recorded a version of Dylan's "If You See Her, Say Hello" at Bearsville Studio in Woodstock, New York.
  • During 1992 and 1993, Buckley often performed Dylan's "Mama, You've Been On My Mind" live.

The players

Jeff Buckley

A singer-songwriter who had great admiration for Bob Dylan and covered several of his songs during the early 1990s.

Bob Dylan

A legendary singer-songwriter whose music inspired and influenced Jeff Buckley.

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What they’re saying

“I have no way of knowing how my words were translated to you, if their whole meaning and context were intact, but the truth is, is that I was off on a tangent, on a stage, my mind going where it goes, trying to be funny, it wasn't funny at all, and I f–ked up.”

— Jeff Buckley, Singer-songwriter

“And the worst of it isn't that your boys were at the gig to hear it — it doesn't really bother me. It just kills me to know that whatever they told you is what you think I think of you. Not that I love you. Not that I've always listened to you, and carry the music with me everywhere I go. Not that I believe in you. And also that your show was great.”

— Jeff Buckley, Singer-songwriter

The takeaway

Buckley's covers of Dylan's songs demonstrate the young artist's deep reverence for one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century, providing a unique glimpse into Buckley's creative process and musical inspirations during the formative years of his career.