Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan was born on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. Bob is known as an incredible storyteller; in the 1960’s he became one of the more reluctant voices of the protest movement, releasing anti-war and U.S, civil rights anthems like ‘Blowing in the Wind’ and ‘The Time’s they are a-Changing’. For more then fifty years Bob has touched the hearts and opened the minds of millions of fans worldwide.
In his early years, Bob drew influences from icons such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Little Richard. He played in bands the ‘Golden Chords’ and ‘Elston Gunn and His Rock Boppers’. While attending school at the University of Minnesota, Bob would perform folk and country songs at local cafés in Greenwich Village. During this time he met a host of other musicians a begun writing at a furious pace. Songs such as “Song to Woody,” was written as a tribute to the legendary folk singer and Bob’s idol, Woody Guthrie. It was in this period that Bob assumed his now legendary name, which he borrowed from the Welsh Poet Dylan Thomas.
In 1961, after a rave review in The New York Times, Dylan was signed with Columbia Records. Bob’s self –titled album was released in 1962 and contained only two original songs, but highlighted Bob’s extremely unique singing style in a number of traditional folk songs and covers of blues songs. Prior to 1965 all Bob’s music was written and performed using acoustic instruments. With 65’s release ‘Bringing it All Back Home’ Bob picked up an electric guitar, despite some protests from his die-hard folk fans, broadened his musical horizons. ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ and “Subterranean Homesick Blues” were songs featured in this time.
Bob uses many different styles of music in his writing including blues, folk, rock n roll, country, gospel, and rockabilly. English, Scottish, Irish folk music, and at times even some jazz have been incorporated into Bob’s musical style. Bob has been honored with several different awards over the years including Grammy’s, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards. Bob has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Fifty years of Bob Dylan continues to provide us with quality music, art and lyrics. His place has been cemented in America’s popular music history.