| BOB
DYLAN (ARTIST BIOGRAPHY)
Bob Dylan (born
Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota) is an
American musician, poet and artist, whose place in American and
European culture in the 1960s through to the present is unique.
Much of Dylan’s best known work is from the 1960s, when he became an
informal documentarian and reluctant figurehead of American unrest.
Some of his songs, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They
Are A-Changin’”, became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights
movements. His song “Like a Rolling Stone”, released in July of
1965, was named by “Rolling Stone” magazine, in 2004, as the “The
Greatest Song of All Time” placing #1 in a list of 500 titles. He
still remains an influential and popular artist; his most recent
album of new songs, 2006’s Modern Times, reached #1 on the charts in
the US and #3 in Britain.
Dylan’s early lyrics incorporated politics, social commentary,
philosophy and literary influences, defying existing pop music
conventions and appealing widely to the counterculture of the time.
While expanding and personalizing musical styles, Dylan has shown
steadfast devotion to traditions of American song, from folk and
country/blues to rock and roll and rockabilly, to Gaelic balladry,
even jazz, swing and Broadway.
After becoming a Christian, Dylan explored themes of faith,
redemption and love while mining the gospel vein. In a few years he
found an equilibrium. His last albums can be seen as new highlights
in his important career.
Dylan performs with the guitar, keyboard and harmonica. Backed by a
changing lineup of musicians, he has toured steadily since the late
1980s. He has also recently performed alongside other iconic artists,
such as Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty and Eric Clapton.
Although his contributions as a performer and recording artist have
been central to his career, his songwriting is generally held as his
highest accomplishment. |
