Bob Dylan Center

Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles after the Far East leg of the 1978 tour, Dylan and his band returned to Rundown Studios in Santa Monica. There, between April 25 and May 1, they recorded Dylan’s eighteenth studio album, “Street-Legal,” with Don Devito producing. The album was released on this day in 1978.

“Baby, Stop Crying” was released as the album’s first single on July 31, 1978. The songs continue to captivate in the 21st century, with “New Pony” and “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” having been artfully covered by The Dead Weather and Willie Nelson, respectively.

Pictured: “Street-Legal” 3-D promotional standee. Currently on display in the Earl Minnis Gallery exhibition of the Bob Dylan Archive.

Join Bob Dylan Center inaugural artist-in-residence Joy Harjo and senior director Steven Jenkins for a members-only online conversation in celebration of Joy’s newly released album “Insomnia and Seven Steps to Grace,” a deeply ruminative yet joyous collection of songs that speak to both timely and timeless themes of personal reflection, societal imbalance and spiritual renewal. Written and performed with acclaimed jazz bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding, recorded at The Church Studio right here in Tulsa and released on the historic Folkways Records label, “Insomnia and Seven Steps to Grace” is a provocative and ultimately comforting soundtrack to our tumultuous era, enlivened by Joy’s indelible poetic lyricism, sly vocal delivery and impassioned saxophone playing.

Joy will discuss her artistic process and the many steps — seven and counting — that led to the album’s gestation, creation and circulation, and will share and elucidate select tracks. Members are invited to join Joy and Steve for this hour-long Zoom session and contribute their own questions and comments.

Learn more and become a member: bobdylancenter.com/event/insomnia-and-seven-steps-to-grace