Johnny Cash Praised Bob Dylan as 'The Best Thing Out There'

The country music legend's high regard for the folk icon's songwriting is a testament to their mutual respect.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Johnny Cash, one of the most revered singer-songwriters of all time, once praised Bob Dylan as 'the best thing out there,' highlighting the deep admiration the two musical icons shared for each other's work. Cash reflected on first hearing Dylan's music, saying he was struck by Dylan's 'fresh approach to some old themes' and 'insight that had never been put on record.' The two artists, who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s respectively, formed a close friendship over the years, exchanging letters and even collaborating on a duet.

Why it matters

Cash and Dylan's mutual respect and friendship is a remarkable moment in music history, showcasing how two of the most talented and influential figures of their time recognized each other's undeniable talents. Their connection went beyond just their craft, highlighting the power of artistic appreciation and the bonds that can form between creative giants.

The details

When Cash first heard Dylan's music, he thought it was an 'old country singer' before realizing it was the folk icon. Cash praised Dylan's 'fresh approach' and 'insight' in his songwriting. The two artists became close friends, exchanging letters as pen pals and collaborating on a duet of 'Girl From the North Country' in 1969. After Cash's passing in 2003, Dylan wrote a heartfelt tribute, refusing to summarize the country legend in just a few words and instead describing him as a 'fountain of truth, light and beauty' who 'rises above all' and 'will never die or be forgotten.'

  • Cash debuted in the late 1950s, while Dylan followed in the early 1960s.
  • Cash and Dylan met in person at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival.
  • Cash and Dylan recorded their duet 'Girl From the North Country' in February 1969.
  • Cash passed away on September 12, 2003 at the age of 71.
  • Dylan's tribute to Cash was published in Rolling Stone after the country legend's death.

The players

Johnny Cash

One of the most revered singer-songwriters of all time, known for creating beloved songs like 'Folsom Prison Blues,' 'Ring Of Fire,' and 'I Walk the Line.'

Bob Dylan

The acclaimed folk singer-songwriter behind hits like 'Like a Rolling Stone' and considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

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What they’re saying

“The first time I heard him — I don't know where it was, I believe in Las Vegas — I thought it was an old country singer. And then I realized somebody told me who he was—and I said, this is really unbelievable that he could get airplay singing that kind of music. I just heard a fresh approach to some old themes, but really done well with an insight that had never been put on record. I just loved his work, loved him. Always have. Still do. I just think he's still the best thing out there.”

— Johnny Cash, Singer-songwriter (Cash on Cash: Interviews and Encounters With Johnny Cash)

“I think People can have recollections of him, but we can't define him any more than we can define a fountain of truth, light and beauty… If we want to know what it means to be mortal, we need look no further than the man in black… He rises above all, and he'll never die or be forgotten, even by persons not born yet — especially those persons — and that is forever.”

— Bob Dylan (Rolling Stone)

The takeaway

The mutual respect and friendship between two of music's most iconic figures, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, is a testament to the power of artistic appreciation and the bonds that can form between creative giants. Their connection, which spanned decades, showcases how true talent recognizes and celebrates other great talents, regardless of genre or era.