Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid   by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's twelfth studio album was the soundtrack for Sam Peckinpah's film titled "Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid". The album was released in 1973 and bore the title of the film. In fact, the album consists of musical themes that fit the scenes of a western film, while the highlight of the album is none other than Knockin' On Heaven's Door, which is one of Bob Dylan's most popular songs. Bob Dylan wrote twenty-four themes for the soundtrack's needs, from which ten were selected.

Bob Dylan got involved with the music of this specific film after an invitation from screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer. An initial thought was for Bob Dylan to star as "Billy" himself, and he even did screen tests. He may not have won the lead role, but he did win another role, that of "Alias".

The album was not a major commercial success for the artist, but surely in his long list of works, Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid holds a special place and shows Bob Dylan's willingness to try different and new things.