From Dylan to Darius: The Evolution of “Wagon Wheel” [VIDEOS]

- Chris Langdon, Owensboro Bluegrass Museum

Walk into any Tri-State bar on open mike night and you are sure to hear it, ”Rock me mamma any way you feel…Heeeyyy mamma rock me.” They are lyrics from the now world-famous song “Wagon Wheel,” a song that everyone loves to sing, but not everyone knows the story behind it. It all starts with Bob Dylan.

Dylan originally comprised the melody and chorus in 1973 during the Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid sessions. He called the song “Rock Me Mama,” and while it was never officially released, bootleg versions began to make their way around. Jump ahead a couple of decades when Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show decided to add additional lyrics. He changed the name of the song to "Wagon Wheel," and the rest is history.

Since 2004 the song has risen to worldwide acclaim. It has been covered by many artists of various genres, most notably Darius Rucker, but you can catch Old Crow Medicine Show performing their hit song LIVE June 28th at ROMP! We invite you to come rock the night away.

Bob Dylan's Demo

Old Crow's Official Video

Darius Rucker's Version