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The Mayor of MacDougal Street

A Memoir

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The Mayor of MacDougal Street

By: Dave Van Ronk, Elijah Wald
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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About this listen

Hear the memoir that served as inspiration for a major motion picture written and directed by the Coen brothers.

Dave Van Ronk was one of the founding figures of the 1960s folk revival, but he was far more than that. A pioneer of modern acoustic blues, a fine songwriter and arranger, a powerful singer, and one of the most influential guitarists of the ’60s, he was also a marvelous storyteller, a peerless musical historian, and one of the most quotable figures on the Village scene.

The Mayor of MacDougal Street is a firsthand account by a major player in the social and musical history of the ’50s and ’60s. It features encounters with young stars-to-be like Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs, and Joni Mitchell, as well as older luminaries like the Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, and Odetta. Colorful, hilarious, and engaging, The Mayor of MacDougal Street is a feast for anyone interested in the music, politics, and spirit of a revolutionary period in American culture.

©2005 Elijah Wald and Andrea Vuocolo (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Entertainment & Celebrities Music Witty

Critic reviews

“In Greenwich Village, Van Ronk was king of the street, he reigned supreme.” (Bob Dylan)
“A wise and very funny book.” ( New Yorker)
“A hulking raconteur and iconoclast, [Van Ronk] fondly captures the spirit of the times.” ( Q)
All stars
Most relevant  
The reality of the bohemian dream and the closest we can get to it. A paeon to a halcyon era from the only one who should be telling it. Long live Dave Van Ronk and all the shooting stars in this great book.

Inside Greenwich Village

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This was a recommended freebie from Audible and I am glad I listened to it. Dave Van Ronk was not an artist I had heard of and to be honest have now only added a few of his tracks to my playlists. Both jazz and folk tracks. What makes this stand out is in its' way a history of the "Greenwich" village folk times as well as Dave's life. It is easy to just say Bob Dylan and other famous names that actually came to something that foundations had already been laid. If you are fascinated by those times, the music and want a different take on it then this is for you.

Understanding that USA 60s music time

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Not a thing to dislike here. Van Ronk is self aware enough to know how much of his own quirks will give a story warmth and interest whilst still giving a balanced overview of a scene and it’s time with consideration for other players’ points of view. He gives the feel of day to day life in another time that I always hope for from biographies but am not often so rewarded with. The reader was excellent too.

wit, insight, anecdote and overview

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Any additional comments?

Conversational style, van ronk has a refreshing philosophical stance on his past even things others may be bitter about. He is able to laugh at himself while also puttImg his point of view across. His development as a musician is fascinating as are the stories about Dylan, Phil Ochs, Rev Gary Davis and Mississippi John hurt. Well narrated and for fans of inside llewyn Davis it is interesting to see what the Coens pulled from it.

conversational and enjoyable memoir

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terrific,,felt like I was there,,a spectator on a wonderful Time ,in the legend that is Greenwich Village

Great tale

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It feels like Dave is sitting opposite you in his house, leisurely but with passion and engagement, regaling anectdote after anectdote and informed opinion after amazingly vivid memories.

Capivating tale read brilliantly

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