Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan, born on May 24, 1941, as Robert Allen Zimmerman, is an American singer, songwriter, author, musician, and poet. Some of his songs like 'Blowing in the Wind' and 'The Times they are A-changing', became anti-war anthems during the Civil Rights movement. He still remains an artist with immense influential powers. Dylan's lyrics mostly constituted social issues, politics, philosophy, and other literary influences. He could perform vast genres of American music like folk, country/blues, rock 'n' roll, jazz, swing, and Broadway. Bob Dylan has performed with many other major artists like Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty, Jack White, Eric Clapton, Radiohead, etc. He can play the guitar, keyboards, and harmonica. Dylan quit college by the end of his freshman year and, in January 1961, he went to New York. He played there in small pubs and clubs, and got positive reviews from the audience. Word of mouth spread and by October of the same year, Dylan was signed on by the iconic John Hammonds for Columbia Records. In 1962, Robert Allen Zimmerman went to the Supreme Court building in New York and changed his name to Robert Dylan. By 1963, Dylan was becoming increasingly prominent in the Civil Rights movement, by singing at rallies including the March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous 'I have a dream' speech. Right from the 1960s, Bob Dylan has had strong political and social views which he has voiced in his own unique way and made the world take notice. Dylan has had heavier tour schedules than most performers who started out in the 60s. Apart from having a successful career in music, Dylan has also acted and directed some movies like 'Hearts of Fire', 'Renaldo and Clara', 'Pat Garret', and 'Billy the Kid'. Bob Dylan's writings and songs, especially in the 60s, are believed to have made an important mark on 20th century philosophy.