The song "Wagon Wheel," famously covered by Darius Rucker, was co-written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor of the band Old Crow Medicine Show.
The Unique Genesis of "Wagon Wheel"
The creation of "Wagon Wheel" is a fascinating story, involving two distinct periods of songwriting. The core of the song originated from an unreleased track by legendary musician Bob Dylan, while the verses were added much later by another artist.
A Collaborative Songwriting Journey
- Bob Dylan's Contribution: The song's iconic chorus was originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan in 1973 during the recording sessions for his Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid soundtrack. However, this early version, often referred to as "Rock Me Mama," remained unreleased for decades, circulating only as a bootleg.
- Ketch Secor's Role: Approximately 25 years after Dylan recorded the chorus, Ketch Secor, a member of the acclaimed roots music group Old Crow Medicine Show, discovered the Dylan bootleg. Inspired by the chorus, Secor took it upon himself to write the verses that would complete the song, transforming it into the beloved folk-country anthem known today.
This collaborative, almost accidental, songwriting process resulted in a song that spans different eras and artistic visions.
Breakdown of Writing Credits
To clarify the contributions:
| Writer | Contribution | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Dylan | Original chorus (from "Rock Me Mama") | Recorded in 1973 |
| Ketch Secor | Verses that complete the song | Added ~25 years later |
While Darius Rucker's 2013 rendition significantly propelled "Wagon Wheel" into mainstream country music success, he is the performer and not one of the song's original writers.
