Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan, was born on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. Bob Dylan is a folk rock singer-songwriter. Signing his first record contract in 1961, he quickly became known as “one of the most original and influential voices in American popular music”. Dylan has won a wide array of awards ranging from Grammy awards to Nobel Prize for Literature. In 1963, Dylan released The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan as a catalyst for his political activism. This album was incredibly well received and gave Dylan a large jump to fame. However, over the years he felt that he held too much responsibility for the political movement so he released an album entitled, Another Side of Bob Dylan that was far more personal and less politically driven. Dylan has toured alongside other legends such as the Grateful Dead, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and has been inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
During the civil rights movement in the early 1960’s, Bob Dylan released one of his most well known songs, The Times Are A-Changin. In this song, Dylan’s message is aimed at four audiences: American society as a whole, the media, politicians, and parents. First, Dylan calls to the American people to unite and open their eyes to the world of poverty, violence, and racism surrounding them. Then, Dylan addresses the media and news outlets. He states that they must not only highlight the negatives of society but also the positive aspects and acknowledge the American people’s need to stand up for their rights. Thirdly, he speaks to the American politicians and their lack of action and acknowledgement of the need for change. He highlights that these politicians are ignoring societies call for help and that if their inaction continues, a civil rights fight may take place. Lastly, he addresses parents and guardians and their disapproval of the younger generation fighting back against the government’s inaction and lack of attention to the problems that are occurring everyday in society.
Written By Luisa Francisco
Politics Through Rhythm 