American Idol

by Tom Wilk   
Posted February 5, 2008

Mel Prussack got hooked on Bob Dylan after seeing him perform “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” in 1965. The song was featured on Dylan’s album Bringing It All Back Home, and ever since, Prussack has been bringing Dylan-related memorabilia back to his home in Old Bridge.

He’s packed a second-floor bedroom with all things Dylan—LPs, CDs, a jukebox filled with the singer/songwriter’s singles, books, magazines, posters, and clothing.

Both men were in born in May 1941, and Prussack says they were Bar Mitzvahed on the same day. From talking with Dylan’s bandmates, Prussack says, he’s learned that the most influential American songwriter of the past 40 years is aware of the shrine. “He knows of me as the nut from New Jersey,” Prussack says. “I consider it a compliment.”