It’s no secret that books often serve as inspiration for movies and television, but countless songs have been crafted based on the written word as well. Here are four folk songs that you may not have known were inspired by books, and some quick notes behind their inspiration.
"Hurricane" by Bob Dylan. Inspired by The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender to Number 45472 by Rubin "Hurricane" Carter
It’s a well-known fact that Dylan’s hit song was inspired by Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s tragic story, but Carter himself had actually mailed a copy of his autobiography to Dylan, which inspired the poet/musician to pen the tune and raise awareness to his cause.
"Tom Joad" by Woody Guthrie. Inspired by The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
In this case, Guthrie was actually asked to write a song in order to capitalize on the success of the movie, and Guthrie, being a huge Steinbeck fan, jumped at the occasion.
"Bright Eyes" by Art Garfunkel. Inspired by Watership Down by Richard Adams
Although the song was actually written by singer-songwriter Mike Batt, it was Art Garfunkel who recorded and popularised the tune based on Watership Down.
"Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell. Inspired by Henderson and the Rain King by Saul Bellow
A classic folk hit, Mitchell credits the creation of her song to having read the book while on a plane in a very similar scenario to the book’s opening.
Looking for your own inspiration? Visit the wide variety of reads available at www.ennymedia.com.
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