Here is a very interesting synopsis of Bob Dylan’s September 10, 1975 performance on The World Of John Hammond tribute show courtesy of the examiner.com
On September 10, 1975, Bob Dylan participated in the videotaping of a PBS special for the program Soundstage. The all-star show was a tribute to the man responsible for signing Dylan to Columbia Records in 1961. In 1975, a television appearance by Bob Dylan was big news. Not only was he having a career renaissance, with number one albums and a successful U.S. tour with The Band, but Dylan had rarely appeared on the tube, especially since his 1966 motorcycle accident. In fact, he was probably most known for not appearing on television, walking off The Ed Sullivan Show in 1963. The World Of John Hammond taping took place at WTTW-TV Studios in Chicago. It was broadcast as a two-part special in December of that year, with the show simulcast on some FM stations. An edited version was shown the following year, with Dylan’s “Oh Sister” edited out. The other guests, including Hammond discoveries Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, George Benson, and Helen Hume, had confirmed that they would appear way in advance. Typically, Dylan waited until September 7 to respond to the invitation. On September 9th, Dylan recruited Rob Stoner, Howie Wyeth, and Scarlett Rivera from the recent Desire sessions, telling them “we’re doing a gig there” before flying to Illinois. The musicians knew nothing about the TV show, or what songs they would play.