Handwritten Bob Dylan Lyrics Have Sold at Auction
A former Columbia Records director auctioned original draft lyrics from the 1975 album Blood on the Tracks.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Folk
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Ellen Ziffren, a former director of Artists & Repertoire for Columbia Records, has auctioned handwritten lyric sheets for the Bob Dylan songs Idiot Wind and You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go. Bidding for the documents and two included drawings reached $174,546.
Why it matters
The sale offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most acclaimed albums in American folk music history. These documents provide a tangible connection to the studio sessions that defined Dylan's mid-1970s career.
The auction features lyric sheets produced in 1974 during the recording of the 1975 album Blood on the Tracks. Current bidding for the collection of lyrics and drawings has reached $174,546.
The players
Ellen Ziffren
She is a former director of Artists & Repertoire for Columbia Records who served in the role during 1974.
Bob Dylan
He is an iconic singer-songwriter whose 1975 album Blood on the Tracks is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American music.
RR Auction
This is a professional auction house specializing in the sale of rare autographs, historical documents, and entertainment memorabilia.
The details
The artifacts originate from Ziffren's time at Columbia Records, where she worked in 1974. The auction, conducted by RR Auction, includes two drawings alongside the original handwritten drafts of the tracks.
Timeline
Dylan wrote the lyrics in 1974.
The album Blood on the Tracks was released in 1975.
Ziffren left the music business in 1980.
Bidding for the auction closes on September 24, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The sale of these lyrics reflects the high market value for artifacts associated with legacy artists who have transitioned from active touring into the archival phase of their careers. This auction follows the formal recognition of Dylan's work seen at institutions like the Bob Dylan Center.
Fans and collectors can participate in the ongoing auction process through the RR Auction portal. The final sale price will serve as a new benchmark for the private valuation of original songwriting drafts.
The takeaway
Collectors interested in music history should monitor high-profile auctions for rare opportunities to acquire original studio documentation. These sales demonstrate that the demand for physical artifacts from legendary songwriting sessions remains significant among serious memorabilia investors.
Further reading
For more on the history of acoustic music and legendary artists, explore our Folk section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
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