Ace Records Announces Highway of Diamonds – Black America Sings Bob Dylan

Ace Records Announces Highway of Diamonds – Black America Sings Bob Dylan
New Compilation Out 30 January 2026
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​Ace Records is proud to unveil Highway of Diamonds – Black America Sings Bob Dylan, arriving 30 January 2026. The release follows the label’s acclaimed 2010 compilation How Many Roads, continuing the exploration of Bob Dylan’s extraordinary influence on Black American musicians.

Since penning his first original song, “Song to Woody,” in November 1961, Bob Dylan has written more than 350 works and remains one of the most covered songwriters in popular music history, with nearly 9,000 recorded versions by over 5,000 artists.

Black American singers and musicians were among the earliest to connect with Dylan’s lyrics especially those that amplified the struggle for justice and equality in segregated 1960s America. As Dylan’s writing expanded into new sonic and poetic terrain, Black artists continued to find inspiration in his catalogue, adapting his songs across genres such as gospel, funk, Southern soul, and a cappella.

Highway of Diamonds builds on that legacy with 20 fresh interpretations of Dylan classics from a wide-ranging roster of artists most of whom did not appear on the earlier collection. All but one track are new to the series, anchored by a powerful new reading of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” the line that lends its spirit to both compilations.

Watch here a preview of the album includes Bettye LaVette’s striking version of “Everything Is Broken,” .

​“Highway of Diamonds – Black America Sings Bob Dylan” will be available on CD and 2LP gatefold.

“Highway of Diamonds – Black America Sings Bob Dylan” Tracklist:

Side One
1. A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall – The Staple Singers
2. Everything Is Broken – Bettye Lavette
3. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues – Nina Simone
4. Gotta Serve Somebody – Natalie Cole

Side Two
1. It Ain’t Me Babe – Maxine Welldon
2. It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) – Billy Preston
3. Quinn The Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) – Solomon Burke
4. Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35 – Merry Clayton
5. Shelter From The Storm – Cassandra Wilson

Side Three
1. The Times They Are A-Changin’ – The Brothers & Sisters Of Los Angeles
2. Tomorrow Is A Long Time – Harry Belafonte
3. Baby, I’m In The Mood For You – Odetta
4. Don’t Fall Apart On Me Tonight – Aaron Neville
5. If Not For You – Sarah Vaughan
6. George Jackson – J P Robinson

​Side Four
1. When He Returns – Jimmy Scott
2. I Threw It All Away – The Bo-Keys
3. Down Along The Cove – Johnny Jenkins
4. Every Grain Of Sand – Lizz Wright
5. Blowin’ In The Wind – The Caravans