Dylan's first commercial recording work was harmonica on Carolyn Hester's Columbia session; John Hammond then invited him to demo and on November 20, 1961 he began sessions for his debut album, recording 23 takes and finishing 8 songs. [85]

Dylan and Levy flagged down violinist Scarlet Rivera in the East Village; she became the first female musician in one of Dylan's bands and her violin became central to Desire's sound. [80]

The album was largely written with playwright Jacques Levy; in less than a month Dylan and Levy completed much of the material that defined Desire's dramatic tone. [80]

"Hurricane" is a forceful protest song about Rubin "Hurricane" Carter; its release coincided with benefit concerts and prison appearances supporting Carter and later Carter's 1985 release increased the song's consequence. [80]

Sessions began in July 1975 and by July 30 the core lineup of Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Scarlet Rivera, Rob Stoner and Howie Wyeth produced the decisive, spare takes that became Desire. [80]

By July 30 a pared-down core lineup—Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Scarlet Rivera, Rob Stoner and Howie Wyeth—produced the decisive spare takes that became Desire (Michael Simmons). [80]

Dylan wrote 'Song to Woody' (noted as written Feb 14 at Mills Bar on Bleecker Street) using the melody of Woody Guthrie's '1913 Massacre.' [80]

Dylan invited Emmylou Harris to sing on Desire, but a tamer original 'Hurricane' with Harris was scrapped after factual errors in Levy's lyrics and the released 'Hurricane' features Ronee Blakley. [78]

After Desire, Jacques Levy staged and directed Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue, with Scarlet Rivera, Rob Stoner, and Howard Wyeth forming the core of Dylan's touring band. [75]

Tapes for "Hurricane" were erased and re-recorded during the Desire sessions because of legal concerns, Michael Simmons reports. [75]

Desire was largely co-written with Jacques Levy and featured musicians from the Rolling Thunder Revue (Pat Carty). [75]

Violinist Scarlet Rivera proved crucial to Hurricane and shaped Desire's instrumental tempo and tone, according to Ewan Gleadow. [75]

Desire was largely written with playwright and lyricist Jacques Levy, marking one of Dylan's most concentrated co-writing periods. [75]

Pat Carty: 'Desire was largely co-written with Jacques Levy.' [75]