SINGER-SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN, AUTHOR
1941 - Present
Bob Dylan represents the quintessential American artist whose continuous reinvention both reflected and shaped the cultural transformations of the late 20th century, demonstrating how authentic artistic vision can persist through radical stylistic changes while maintaining deep connections to American musical and literary traditions.
"I went to see the land of Coca-Cola, I went to see Graceland. And I went to see Robert Johnson's grave."
— Bob Dylan, 2004
"I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I'll die like a poet."
— Bob Dylan, 1965
"I'm not a folk singer. Never was. I'm a song and dance man."
— Bob Dylan, 1969
Birth of the artist who would become Bob Dylan
Formative childhood years in mining town that influenced his worldview
Beginning of his immersion in folk music scene in Minneapolis
Decision to pursue music full-time rather than formal education
Pivotal move to Greenwich Village folk scene that launched his career
This biography was compiled using the Biography Compiler epistemic research system. All claims are sourced and confidence levels are tracked. View sources and methodology.