It seems the majority of decorated musicians have agreed that Bob Dylan is likely the best songwriter of all time. Deservingly so, as Dylan was the voice of a generation. However, not every musician thought he was the end-all be-all. As a matter of fact, Neil Young believed there was a songwriter who was on par with Bob Dylan. The person he named might surprise you. But if you’re a folk music fan, it likely won’t.
Bob Dylan and Neil Young have had a relationship for decades upon decades. Sometimes it was positive, other times it wasn’t. Regardless, the two respect each other’s work and character.
However, while Young thinks Dylan is talented, he isn’t one of the musicians to call Dylan the outright best. Now, does he think he’s good? Of course. But, apparently, he thinks folk singer Phil Ochs is right up there with him.
Neil Young on Phil Ochs
Neil Young and Bob Dylan have always had a relationship outlined by insignificant feuds and compassionate compliments. Regarding the latter, in 2005, Neil Young told Time that Phil Ochs was “the master.”
“If I’d like to be anyone, it’s him,” said Young. “And he’s a great writer, true to his music, and has done what he feels is the right thing to do for years and years and years.”
A significant compliment from Young, though not the only time he’s paid such a compliment. In the 60s Greenwich Village folk scene, the key players were Dylan, Joan Baez, Dave Van Ronk, Pete Seeger, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, and Phil Ochs. Ochs didn’t grow to be the giant Dylan is due to the fact that he tragically passed at just 35 years old. Young didn’t forget his work and paid credit where credit was due.
In 1969, Young sat down with a radio station and divulged that Ochs was “a big influence on [him].”
“[Ochs was] on the same level with Dylan in my eyes,” he memorably added.
To some Dylan fans, this comment might seem like sacrilege. But Young is entitled to his opinion, and given his status, it’s a fairly warranted one.
Regardless, Ochs was a major player thanks to his songs “I Ain’t Marching Anymore,” “No More Songs,” and “When I’m Gone.” If it wasn’t for his early demise in 1976, Ochs would have become one of the most influential folk singers of all time. And to some, including Neil Young, he still is and always will be.
