Robert Allen Zimmerman was born on May 24, 1941 to Abe and Beatty Zimmerman in the city of Duluth, Minnesota. Better known today as Bob Dylan, Zimmerman changed his name in college when he started writing and performing music as a solo artist. Many believe that he changed his name in honor of the poet Dylan Thomas, although Bob Dylan refutes this belief.
In the early sixties, he decided to move to New York and really take control of his music career. One of his idols and inspirations was the legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie, and Dylan was able to visit Guthrie during his time in New York. This led Dylan down a musical path of a combination of folk and protest that was well received at that time in history. Songs such as “Blowin’ In The Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” are representative of this time in his musical career. He later decided to change his music to incorporate a more electric and rock and roll feel. The most identifiable and popular song from this period in his career is “Like A Rolling Stone” which was named the number one song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004. Later in life he became a Born-Again Christian and released three gospel albums.
Bob Dylan continued to create new and inspiring music throughout his life. His music is completely unique and he has effortlessly blended poetry with music. Unlike most of the music today, Dylan’s is more than catchy beats and upbeat lyrics; it has real soul and meaning. He takes the time to think about the perfect poetic words, set to the right sound, conveying his strongest beliefs. He even received an Academy Award for his song “Things Have Changed.” Although he is most notably known as a singer/songwriter, he is also an artist. The paintings from his Drawn Blank Series have been critically acclaimed and contain true masterpieces. Bob Dylan has accomplished so much in his life, and yet he is not even finished. He has been one the most popular and influential cultural icons of the last fifty years, and one that will forever transcend the bonds of time.
Stephanie Champness
Section 012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment