“Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)” is a Bob Dylan song originally recorded with the Band for the 1967 Basement Tapes. It was not part of the first batch of Basement Tapes songs released in 1975.
However, Manfred Mann covered it and released it in 1968. This version was very popular.
Of the Dylan versions, I really like the one with the Band from 1969. It’s much more relaxed than the Basement Tapes version. It sounds like they’re having fun; it’s a light, funny song, not serious like some of the other Basement Tapes songs. Dylan uses his Nashvill Skyline voice accompanied by casual, ragged harmonies by the Band. Also, the Band’s backup is great and really keeps it moving.
Dylan has only played it live six times as of 2023.
Sad! 