Bob Dylan
What exactly defines a ‘rock star’? Is it the shady, misunderstood persona? The arrogance to do what they wish, regardless of record sales? The story of an underdog going on to captivate stadiums?
All of these rock n roll clichés were born out of Bob Dylan’s legacy, which must surely mean that any musical legends that preceded the man, born Robert Zimmerman, can accredit much of their status to Bob.
After completing one year at University of Minnesota, Bob Dylan dropped out to embark on a pilgrimage to New York City, where he wanted to meet his own musical idol; folk singer Woodie Guthrie. The year was 1961 and the aspiring musician had started to play small gigs around the bohemian Greenwich Village area of NYC, befriending other artists and sleeping rough. It didn’t take long for Dylan’s talent to be noticed and he released his first album in 1962, to an underwhelming reception, but with the backing of Johnny Cash, alongside a new manager and producer, Bob Dylan went big and the rest is history.
With the growth of youth culture and the public’s support of the Vietnam war dwindling, Bob Dylan’s thought-provoking songs questioning those in power struck a chord with a generation; changing the way that youth connected with music forever. It was at Newport Folk Festival in 1965 that will forever be known as the day ‘Dylan went electric’, turning on his folk roots to pursue his new ambitions. Fans were outraged, booing and scorning the musician for his new direction. Ironically, this electronic move went on to produce some of the greatest music ever heard, giving birth to tracks such as Like a Rolling Stone.
To this day, Bob Dylan has released 36 albums and remains faithful to his own aspirations & views, neglecting public opinion and opportunities to ride on a wave of ‘greatest hits’. He creates the music that he wishes to, as he will until the day that he finds himself knockin’ on heavens’ door.
Words by Matt Ganfield