Nevada Bob Gordon's Latest Album Earns Praise from the Bob Dylan Center

Nevada Bob Gordon is one of those rare individuals whose life reads like a country song come to life—full of twists, hard work, and a deep love for music. A singer, songwriter, and author (best known for his memoir 50 Years with the Wrong Woman), Nevada Bob has worn many hats over the decades: Navy veteran, police officer, cattle rancher, gold mine assayer, and hydrocarbon well analyst. Through it all, music has been his constant companion.

In late 2025, he released his ninth album, titled I'm Happy Wherever I Go... Most Folks Are Happy Whenever I Go! Recorded in Nashville--with an All Star team*--the project features a mix of covers and originals that showcase his gravelly voice and storytelling style. Standouts include classics like Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill," John Fogerty's "Bad Moon Rising," Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings tunes, and Wyland's "Keep It Country Keep It Real."

One track in particular stands out: a heartfelt cover of Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" from Dylan's 1965 masterpiece Highway 61 Revisited. Dylan's original is a slow, laid-back blues gem—one of the more relaxed cuts on an album packed with electric energy. It draws from traditional blues roots, weaving in influences from legends like Charley Patton, Brownie McGhee, and Leroy Carr, while adding Dylan's poetic touch.

The song carries a world-weary resignation: life can be tough, joy doesn't come easy ("it takes a lot to laugh"), but sorrow arrives almost inevitably ("it takes a train to cry"). Trains in blues lore often symbolize departure, lost love, or life's transient journeys—perfect for a track that's equal parts melancholy and gentle groove.

Nevada Bob brings his own flavor to it, infusing the tune with a seasoned, lived-in feel that honors the original while making it feel fresh and personal.

The highlight? An email from Steven Jenkins, Director of the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The center, which houses Dylan's vast archives and celebrates his legacy, reached out after Nevada Bob shared his CD:

Howdy Bob,

Nice to chat last week, and thanks again for sharing your CD with me. I really like your Dylan cover—you bring a whole new feel to the song—and the rest of the album is terrific as well.

Thanks again, and wishing you all the best from the Dylan Center.

Steve  Steven Jenkins

Director, Bob Dylan Center

Coming from the official stewards of Dylan's work, these kind words carry real weight. It's a nod that Nevada Bob's interpretation resonates even with those closest to the source material.

At 85+ (and still going strong), Nevada Bob Gordon proves that passion for music—and a good story—never ages. 

If you're a fan of classic country, bluesy covers, or just authentic voices from the road, give I'm Happy Wherever I Go... a listen. It might just put a smile on your face... most folks do when Nevada Bob's around.

(You can find his music on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and more. And naturally, if you're ever in Tulsa, swing by the Bob Dylan Center—it's a treasure trove for Dylan enthusiasts.)

What do you think of Dylan's bluesier side? Have you heard Nevada Bob's take? Drop a comment below!

Musicians accompanying Nevada Bob on this CD: Wanda Vick Burchfield, Charlie McCoy, Mark Burchfield, Eddie Bayers, and Randy Moore.