Bob Dylan has finally been awarded his long overdue Nobel Prize in Literature! Starting in the early ‘60s, Dylan’s albums are still widely regarded today. Dylan has given us so many classic songs over the years, that it could be said that he helped to shape rock music. His voice was the soundtrack of his generation.
Even today, those who ask “Who is Bob Dylan?,” are given that wide-eyed look of disdain for their lack of knowledge on the musical genius. Dylan has not only made great music over the last five decades, he has created, written and sung many of the best songs of all time. If you compiled a list of Bob Dylan’s best songs, there would be many differing opinions as to which one would be at the top, but there’s no doubt that list would be a long one! Such is the genius of the man who has single-handedly shaped the course of rock music in the last half century. For Bob Dylan, getting the Nobel Prize in Literature is just a reaffirmation of his songwriting skills, that has influenced countless artists from across genres to take up music and change the world in their own unique way. Though he has constantly denied it, even today people call Dylan “the spokesman of his generation.” Check out Bob Dylan’s wiki page on the net.
The Folk Hero
Dylan started out as a folk singer, who was inspired by such music artists as Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson and Hank Williams. Little Richard’s style of performing was also a big influence on young Dylan. Leaving behind his life in Minnesota, Dylan embraced music as his life’s calling. Since he’s been around for so long, people often wonder how old Dylan is. Bob Dylan’s age is 75 years old. It all started for him in February of 1961, when Dylan began playing in clubs around Greenwich Village, New York City. Dylan was influenced by the songwriting of his idol, Woody Guthrie and folk singer, Pete Seeger. He began with a self titled album in which he sang folk, blues and gospel songs. It was his second album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan that catapulted his reputation as a singer and songwriter.
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Spokesman of his Generation
It didn’t matter which Bob Dylan songs you threw together on a playlist, because any Bob Dylan Songs list is bound to make any listener happy! Songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” are as inspiring and relevant today, as they were when they were first released in 1963. Young people in America started identifying with Dylan’s music, even years after his greatest hits were popular. His songs had an urgency and topicality that made young, educated people embrace him as their voice. His songs became the theme songs of the anti-war movements and other growing civil rights movements. Dylan sang love songs and also surreal blues songs, as well. Other artists like the Byrds, Sonny & Cher, the Hollies, Peter, Paul and Mary and Manfred Mann had chart topping hits with songs that Dylan had written.
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The Softer Side of Dylan
His next album, The Times They Are a-Changin’ showcased a more political and cynical side to Dylan. Classics like the title song, “Only A Pawn In Their Game,” “North Country Blues,” and “Ballad of Hollis Brown” showed how well Dylan had grasped the changing world around him. His following album, Another Side of Bob Dylan was a calmer effort, with several love songs and more sympathy. Songs like “I Shall Be Free No. 10,” “Spanish Harlem Incident,” “To Ramona,” and “It Ain’t Me Babe” showed a more mellow side of Dylan.
The Greatest Song Ever?
Then came the song that changed everything about what a song could be. When the six minute long single, “Like a Rolling Stone” was released, it changed everybody’s conception of what rock music could actually achieve. Bruce Springsteen later described it as akin to “somebody kicking open the door to your mind.” This song has appeared on every list of the greatest songs of all time, mostly in the number one position. Dylan had gone electric and would never go back. Dylan’s collaboration with The Band became the template on which every single rock band was based on since then.
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A Truckload of Classics
Dylan continued to produce exceptional music all through the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Many musical trends came and went, but Dylan’s work stood like a rock against the winds of time. Even today, Dylan’s albums represent great music are full of wise, topical lyrics. The Nobel Prize should have been awarded much earlier, not that Dylan needs anybody’s validation. The list of best Bob Dylan lyrics goes on and on. How can anybody not be amazed by songs like “Lay Lady Lay,” “Girl From the North Country,” “All Along the Watchtower,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “Forever Young,” and “Gotta Serve Somebody.”
Giving a Dream
Throughout all these decades of making music, money has been the last thing on Dylan’s mind. But people are still curious about Bob Dylan’s net worth. It is a mind-blowing $180.0 million and growing, thanks to the sales of his albums, singles and the occasional concert tour. However, the value of his songs is incalculable. Dylan is the man who gave a dream to so many aspiring musicians in this world, and that is truly priceless. Armed with a guitar and a mind of his own, he changed music in ways we may not ever fully grasp. The Nobel Prize in Literature has never been more richly deserved.
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