weekend feast: one bob dylan, one birthday, one meat ball (+ recipe)

~ jama

“I think of myself as a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I’ll die like a poet.” (Bob Dylan)

Just as he’s done for more than five decades, Bob Dylan is still releasing new albums (the latest is “Shadows in the Night,” a mellow collection of standards recorded live with his five-piece band), performing around the world with his Never Ending Tour, and receiving more honors and accolades (2015 MusiCares Person of the Year).

To promote “Shadows in the Night” he gave only one interview — to AARP Magazine, where he discussed his creative process and influences, revealing that he’s a big Shakespeare fan, and had he not become “Bob Dylan,” he would have liked to have been “a schoolteacher of Roman history or theology.”

When receiving his MusiCares award, he delivered a riveting acceptance speech crediting his sources of inspiration, thanking his various and sundry supporters, and even confronting his detractors. To those who would criticize his singing voice, he reminded them of what Sam Cooke said when told he had a beautiful voice:

Well that’s very kind of you, but voices ought not to be measured by how pretty they are. Instead they matter only if they convince you that they are telling the truth.

The voice of our generation — plain, real, everyman — endures. We need to hear and will always value the hard truths good poets tell.

Enjoy this bountiful three-course feast honoring Bob, who’ll turn 74 on Sunday, May 24. 🙂

 

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🎶 ONE BOB 🎸

One hat.
One acoustic guitar.
One harmonica.
One cup of coffee.
One typewriter.
One big city, one Suze.
One March on Washington.
One piano.
One more cup of coffee.
One iconic “Best Song of All Time” (Rolling Stone Magazine).
One electric guitar.
One motorcycle.
One family.
One big smile.
One more cup of coffee.
One more hat.
One Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1991).
One Pulitzer Special Citations Award (2008).
One Oscar, one Golden Globe for “Things Have Changed” (2000, 2001).
One Presidential Medal of Freedom (2012).
One more hat.
One MusiCares Person of the Year Award (2015).
One pot of tea.
One in a million.

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🍴 ONE MEAT BALL 🍴 

Between 2006 – 2009, Dylan took to the airwaves with his Theme Time Radio Hour on Sirius XM satellite radio. Each weekly program featured an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, blues, country, pop, rock-n-roll, soul, R&B and rockabilly all related to a central theme (Weather, Drinking, Weddings, Coffee, Mothers, Friends and Neighbors, Telephone).

Between tracks, Bob offered commentary on music and musicians, did poetry readings, played old-timey radio jingles, told jokes (“My grandmother is so tidy she puts newspaper under the cuckoo clock”), read mostly fictitious emails, sprinkled in random bits and bobs, and (yes!) shared recipes! 🙂

Dylan grew up listening to radio shows, and Theme Time Radio Hour was reminiscent of the golden days of radio, a time before canned top-40 playlists, when listeners could get a strong sense of a disc jockey’s musical quirks and personality. Nothing more intimate than to hear a familiar radio voice in your home on a regular basis. If anything, Dylan’s show exhibited his vast and diverse musical knowledge, the kind of artistic landscape that spawns truly great songwriters.

But about those recipes. 🙂 He shared recipes for Barbecue Sauce, Mint Julep, Rum & Coke, Figgy Pudding, and Perfect Meat Balls (Season 2, Episode 62). The theme was “Number One.”

“For the next sixty minutes, we’re gonna be talking about one horse towns, one track minds, one armed bandits, one false move, one in a million, one too many, one way or another, one brick shy of a load, and one and only. So stay here one and all, and listen to songs on a singular subject, that subject being ‘number one.’”

So I’m listening to Harry Nilsson’s “One,” Elvis Presley’s “One Night,” and Anita O’Day’s “Johnny One-Note,” when all of a sudden Bob plays this song by Josh White called “One Meat Ball.” My, my, my, was there ever a more delectable song title? Let me say it again and wrap my lips around it: ONE MEAT BALL.

Turns out this little ditty has a very interesting backstory. Originally written by Harvard scholar and professor George Martin Lane back in 1855, it was based on a real incident and initially titled “The Lone Fish Ball.” Seems Lane returned to Boston hungry one time after a trip, but only had 25 cents in his pocket. He tentatively ordered a half portion of macaroni in a restaurant, much to the disdain of the waiter.

Lane’s ballad of an underfunded, intimidated diner became a favorite of Harvard undergraduates for decades, was translated into a mock Italian operetta, and was later updated into a bluesy version during the Tin Pan Alley era by Hy Zaret and Lou Singer, who renamed it “One Meat Ball” (1944).

As for Josh White, his recording of “One Meat Ball” became his biggest hit, earning him the distinction of becoming the first African American male artist to sell a million records. Mr. White was ‘number one’ in other ways, too — the first African American singer guitarist to star in Hollywood films and on Broadway, to give a White House Command Performance, to perform in previously segregated hotels, to make a solo concert tour of America, the first folk and blues artist to perform in a nightclub and to tour internationally.

ONE MEAT BALL

The little man walked up and down
To find an eating place in town
He read the menu through and through
To see what 15 cents could do

One meat ball
One meat ball
He could afford but one meat ball

He told the waiter near at hand
The simple dinner he had planned
The guests were startled one and all
To hear the waiter loudly call

One meat ball Everybody
One meat ball
Hey this here gent wants one meat ball

You know, the little man felt ill at ease
He said some bread sir if you please
The waiter hollered down the hall
You gets no bread with one meat ball

One meat ball
One meat ball
Well, you gets no bread with one meat ball

The little man felt very bad
One meat ball was all he had
And in his dreams he hears that call
You gets no bread with one meat ball

One meat ball and no spaghetti
One meat ball
You gets no bread with one meat ball

Let’s try it one more time, Now

One meat ball
One meat ball
That one was gooey
You gets no bread with one meat ball

*

Give a listen, it’s positively hypnotic :):

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The ballad is dramatized in this fun 1940’s “soundie”:

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When George Martin Lane retired, Harvard gave him an honorary degree and the first pension ever given to a faculty member, enough to support him for the rest of his life. Now that’s some meat ball.

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🍝 ONE PERFECT MEAT BALL RECIPE 🍝

After playing “One Meat Ball,” Bob read his recipe for Perfect Meat Balls. Hearing him rattle off ingredients was cosmic music to my ears. Of course I had to try his recipe.  A perfect meat ball? Possibly life changing.

The recipe called for equal parts beef, pork, and veal — very democratic. I liked that. And precisely 9 saltine crackers. A mix of dried herbs, an egg, fresh parsley and minced garlic, a bit of grated parmesan and I was good to go.

I mixed everything with my bare hands as Bob suggested, and as I channeled my favorite troubadour, something strange happened: a mouthwatering banquet of songs filled the air — Bourbon Street, Country Pie, Orange Juice Blues, Copper Kettle, Catfish, Jelly Bean. 

This was some recipe. Who knew it came with its own music?

I used a small ice cream scoop to shape the meat balls. Nice and round and adorable. I lined them up on a cookie sheet. Fried them gently in canola oil for about 5 minutes. Et voilà!

I closed my eyes, thought about George Martin Lane, Josh White, and Dylan’s startling blue eyes, and bit into one. meat. ball.

My, my, my. So tender, juicy and flavorful — adding those saltines was brilliant, and there’s nothing like fresh parsley and garlic to wake up the taste buds. One more, please. One more cup of coffee. One more shot of Jack Daniels!

Bob Dylan's Perfect Meat Balls Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 minced cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 pound ground meat (equal parts beef, pork, veal)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 9 saltine crackers, finely crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper
  • oregano
  • dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste

Directions

*As Dylan read them on air:

Heat the oil over a low heat in a large Dutch oven. In a big bowl, add the meat, garlic, cheese, crackers, and spices. Mix lightly with your fingers. Don’t be shy — get into it. In a small bowl, whisk the water, the egg, and the tomato paste. Add the egg mixture to the meat mixture. Mix it lightly with your fingers. Form it into drum shapes, or balls. Cook in batches, over medium high heat, until it’s browned on both sides. That will be about five minutes total. Serve ’em up with some potatoes, or some spaghetti, or just make a sandwich out of them. You’re gonna love ’em.

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I’ll definitely make these again. They’re easily the best meat balls I’ve ever had, but there’s one teensy problem.

Now I really want Bob as my personal chef! 🙂 Just imagine  the goodies he could whip up: The Chives of Freedom, Changing of the Gourd, Mr. Tamarind Man, Knockwurst on Heaven’s Door, People Get Bready, Submarine Sandwich Homesick Blues . . . 

Somebody stop me!

Don’t Think Spice, It’s Alright.

(Help!)

Man of Peas, The Tines, They Are A Changin’ . . .

Here’s to my favorite song and dance man!

 Better let Bob and friends sing us out. Enjoy this epic performance of “My Back Pages” featuring Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Neil Young from the 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden (1992):

 

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOB!

How does it feee-eel?

It ain’t meat, babe.

*   *   *

poetry fridayThe eminently talented hotTEA Matt Forrest Esenwine is hosting today’s roundup at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme. Wonder if he’s ever read any of his recipes on the radio? Check out the full menu of poetic goodness being served up in the blogosphere this week and have a great holiday weekend. Make the Meat Balls and listen to Dylan on Sunday — treat yourself to an episode or two at the Theme Time Radio Hour Archive. It’s a discographic treasure trove, and Bob’s radio voice is a dream. 🙂

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wkendcookingiconThis post is also being linked to Beth Fish Read’s Weekend Cooking, where all are invited to share their food-related posts. Put on your best aprons and bibs, and come join the fun!

 

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This post in loving memory of Kevin “Slatts” Slattery (November 16, 1954 – May 20, 2015).

 

 

“May your heart always be joyful, may your song always be sung.”

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Copyright © 2015 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.

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55 thoughts on “weekend feast: one bob dylan, one birthday, one meat ball (+ recipe)”

  2. Pingback: author/illustrator recipe archive | Jama's Alphabet Soup

  3. One hellava post! Oh, Jama, I savored every word, every photo, and ate that Musicares speech with a spoon! I’m printing it out. I read the AARP article (in the cardiologist’s office–thinking both Bob and I aren’t exactly following Mr. Tambourine Man any more) and was impressed at his new, if temporary, direction.

    The Musicares speech made me realize that the Minnesotan was more connected to the South. His turns of phrase, his manner of dress, his outlook on life, he kicked over the traces of the Midwest (except his accent) and embraced the blues and hillbilly music. And Lord, are we glad he did. He’s as welcome down here as the flowers of May.

    Happy Birthday, Bob. And thanks, Jama, for the care and love that went into this post.

    Like

    1. So glad you enjoyed the post. I think many Dylan fans were surprised to see his interview in AARP, of all places, instead of someplace like Rolling Stone. He’s certainly mellowed in some ways, hasn’t he?

      Yes, he was connected to the South and embraced the traditional music of the region. He had the extraordinary ability to internalize and transform all that he encountered. The other night Letterman called him the greatest songwriter of modern times. I can’t think of anyone else who fits the bill. I think even he looks back in awe at some of the work he did in the early part of his career.

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  4. Happy birthday, Bob! Love all the puns, as usual, Jama.

    Aww. Even before I got to the end of the post, I started to think about Kevin and how he would have enjoyed this Dylan feast, complete with Jack Daniels. I have his “A Train to Cry” framed on my office wall.

    Lovely post. Thanks, Jama!

    Like

    1. Sigh. I’ll never be able to not think of Kevin whenever I hear or see the Beatles or Dylan. He knew some of the more obscure Dylan songs that I’d never heard of. Lucky you to have one of his pieces framed on your wall. I have one of his books, and of course that wonderful cover he did for your book! 🙂

      Like

  5. One fine post.
    One dude who is still completely hot at whatever age…
    One post I think Slatts would have appreciated.

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  7. Pingback: Poetry Friday is here – with AWESOME news! | Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme

  9. I love the Sam Cooke quote. Many, many years ago I worked at a coffeehouse in Minneapolis that fired Bob Dylan because he “couldn’t sing.” Guess they didn’t know much about truth. Great post. Thanks.

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  10. That’s one goodlookin’ meatball! I’m going to tell my dad about the radio hours — they sound right up his alley. Thanks, Jama. (The top “one hat” of Dylan reminds me of George Ezra. He’s so so young there!)

    Like

  11. Bob Dylan’s life just flashed before my eyes … with a side of meatballs! 🙂

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  12. When I was a kid we had some old 78s. One I played numerous times was “One Meat Ball” by the Andrew Sisters. I still love it! Thanks for taking me back…

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  13. To see all these pictures brings beautiful memories, Jama, but I’ve never heard of the “one meatball” in connection with Bob Dylan. Love the stories that are rarely told, the very best. Thanks!

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  14. Wow. What a post. Your passion is definitely showing here. What a tribute to Bob and to Kevin.

    And this meatball recipe? Almost exactly my mother’s meatloaf recipe, right down to the mixing it by hand! (All except the parmesan…and I’m definitely going to add that next time I make meatloaf!)

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    1. Maybe Bob and your mom are secret friends :). The combination of 3 different meats is a common meatloaf ingredient. The parmesan adds some richness.

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  17. I’ve always gotten my music more from the radio, CDs, etc., rarely seeing performers on TV or in movies, so I guess I didn’t realize what Bob Dylan looked like as a young man. Now I get all the swooning that went on! Loved this post, and I’m glad you didn’t slip up and put any bread on the plate with the one meatball!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Thank you for a brilliant post Jama. My Bob and I have been Dylan fans from way way, back in the day. Will have to celebrate tomorrow. With meat balls, of course.

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    1. Nice to know you and Bob are Dylan fans, Claudia. Enjoy the meatballs tomorrow and listen to some Dylan music!

      Like

  21. What an amazingly fabulous post!!! You *always* have the best posts. (One day I hope to grow up and become just like you. 🙂 )

    Coincidentally, I just started reading a book about Dylan at Newport — it’s coming out in July and I’m hooked already. I’m a HUGE fan.

    Like

    1. Isn’t it amazing how the field of Dylanology keeps growing? There always seems to be more to say, more to analyze, more to research, more to speculate upon. He has done a good job of keeping his mystique alive through the years. The more he doesn’t reveal, the more we want to know.

      Thanks for your enthusiastic comment!

      Like

  23. Hot Dogs Run Free… Like A Rolling Pin… This IS fun. 🙂 You’re love for the troubadour (and his meatballs) shines through in this tasty tribute, Jama. Aside from your wit, which is always a treat, I especially loved the photo retrospective and listening to the music clips.

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    1. Hot Dogs Run Free — love it! He’s written so many songs that there are endless possibilities for playing with the titles. While researching this post, I found a few other blogs who’d posted Bob’s recipe — they titled their posts “Bob Dylan’s Balls.” 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Love this fabulous post–so many Dylan songs running through the brain while reading it.

    AND I am going to be singing “One Meatball” for the rest of the day.

    AND I will be first in line to buy the cookbook you should also write entitled “Don’t Think Spice, It’s Alright.”

    Like

    1. LOL. That’s the only problem with the meatball song — you can’t get it out of your head! Even if you only listen to it once. I think it’s part of some hypnotic plan to get you to make and eat meatballs afterwards. 😀

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  26. I even enjoyed this, and I’m a vegetarian! And usually I’m late, but since it’s Sunday, I guess I’m on time for BD’s birthday…. Thanks for all the celebrating, Jama – loved the song recording.
    And I noticed that as more bottles of the Lynchburg, TN products appeared, the punnier your post got? Hmmm…..

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    1. :D. Interesting observation, Robyn — especially funny since I am a teetotaler. Blame the puns on the meatballs!

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