Bob Johnston, the producer behind Bob Dylan albums like Highway 61 and Blonde on Blonde, has died at the age of 83.

Johnston's other Dylan records included John Wesley Harding, Nashville Skyline, Self Portrait and New Morning.

Johnston also produced stars like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Paul Simon.

"My job wasn't to be a hero and to tell Paul Simon or Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson what the f- to do!" Johnston once said of his role as a producer.

"I thought if you want to be a hero or if you want to take credit, get some other people to work with. Don't work with these people.

I wasn't like some other people who were looking to be the next Phil Spector."

The modest hit maker added, "all I did was turn the tapes on!"