In 1962, I wrote a series about 42nd Street called 'Welcome to Lostville.' One result was that the young Bob Dylan read it and invited me to his first concert at Town Hall; the result was a kind of friendship that years later led to my liner notes for 'Blood on the Tracks.'

Pete Hamill’s quote reflects the serendipity and impact of his work, particularly the 1962 series "Welcome to Lostville" about 42nd Street. Hamill describes how his writing reached a young Bob Dylan, who read the series and was so impressed that he invited Hamill to his first concert at Town Hall. This moment sparked a friendship between the two, highlighting the power of writing to connect people in unexpected ways.

The quote also touches on the evolution of this relationship, which culminated in Hamill contributing liner notes for Dylan’s famous album Blood on the Tracks. The collaboration signifies the depth of their friendship, showing how it grew over time from a mutual respect for each other’s work into a more personal and professional connection. Hamill's involvement in music as a writer provided a unique lens through which he could contribute to Dylan’s iconic work.

Hamill’s experience underscores the interconnectedness of creative fields and the relationships that can form through shared artistic appreciation. The quote shows how the artistic world, including music and writing, can foster meaningful collaborations and friendships that transcend the boundaries of any one medium.

The origin of the quote comes from Hamill’s long career as a journalist, novelist, and essayist, where his work often intersected with the music world. His relationship with Dylan is a testament to the deep connections that can form when artists engage with each other’s work, and the ways in which writing can shape personal and professional bonds across different creative fields.