FEATURE FRIDAYS: Bob Dylan

 Somewhere in your life you have probably heard of the illustrious or notorious name of Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known by the name of "Bob Dylan". Considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, he is better known as a word man than a singer. 

Bob Dylan was born and raised in Minnesota, the same home state of another musical genius in a different sphere. His family migrated to the USA during the Jewish pogroms in modern day Ukraine. Bob Dylan discovered music from the radio, first indulging in blues and country then as a teen shifting to rock and roll. When he was in high school, he joined several bands, doing covers of various rock and roll artist such as Elvis. Later, he moved to Minneapolis, and enrolled in the University of Minnesota. During this time, he felt rock and roll was not enough, and began exploring American folk music. 

At the end of his first year of college, he dropped out and went to New York City instead, performing there and visiting his musical idol, Woody Guthrie. At this time, Guthrie was severely ill with Huntington's disease and live in a psychiatric hospital. There, he also befriended Guthrie's protege, Ramblin Jack Elliot. 

In 1961, Dylan began to get traction, performing at various venues and began getting write ups done on his work. His first album was released in March of 1962. It sold 5,000 copies, just enough to break even on the endeavor. It only had two original compositions on it. By the release of his second album "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan", he was considered to be a prolific songwriter, especially during the protest song era. The songs went beyond being protest songs, and made him the new voice of a generation of frustrated people. Even George Harrison gave accolades to Dylan's writing. 

As his career moved forward, he was seen more as a political activist beyond his songwriting, refusing to appear on certain television programs if he would be censored. After the assassination of John F. Kennedy, a disgruntled Dylan saw a bit of himself and everyone in the situation. He then began to turn a different direction, back toward the rock and roll of his teen years and away from the serious songwriting. This shift caused critics in the folk music sphere to rebuke Dylan, and consider him what we would today call a "Sell out". His prolific career led him to being on the road touring for extended periods, which led him into a bit of a cycle of drugs during his 1966 tour. 

This cycle would change some when he crashed his motorcycle, which he considered a chance to escape and recover from his current life situation. He did not tour again for 8 years, but this was a time to renew his creative energy. This time is when he wrote most of the material for the Band. 

In the 70s, much of his output was met with mixed reviews. While albums like "Self-Portrait" were degraded, others like "New Morning" were considered a return to form. He returned to touring in 1973 and also returned to his activism. He fought for John and Yoko, and championed boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. In the 70s, Dylan had also converted to evangelical Christianity, which was met with very mixed reviews with some of his followers.

Despite in the 80s being inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame, it was a tumultuous time for his career. Much of his output was met with poor reviews and poor reception. Some of his songs critiqued the expectations of fame and also reaffirmed his choice to convert to Christianity. In the 90s, he faced similar issues except he appeared to have fallen into a bout of alcoholism. He denied the allegations. He then faced serious illness before returning a bit to form and receiving honors from President Bill Clinton. 

He has continued being a prolific songwriter, as well as his "Never Ending Tour", which began in 1988 and has continued to the modern era. While the stage presence changes, he stays around. His legacy to songwriting and activism is not unheard. While some may say Dylan cannot hold a tune, his words span to every generation of people. Let's show this legendary musician some love today. There's 39 whole studio albums to explore if you haven't yet!