Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is one of the most influential and diverse musicians of the twentieth century. His work spans over many genres including folk, rock and country and he serves as an inspiration to countless other artists. Dylan’s love of music began as a child and his own musical career began in 1960. His first album, released in 1962, was not met with great success. It contained two original tracks with the rest of the album composed of various popular and familiar folk and gospel tunes. The release of his second album in 1963 was more successful. By this time, Dylan had begun to make a name for himself. He also composed more original tracks, inspired by other musicians. These tracks also showed that Dylan planned to use his music for more than just petty enjoyment. Songs on this album revealed the political side to Dylan that demanded to be heard. 
The very distinctive voice of Dylan soon became a voice for an entire generation. While his rough voice turned some against him, the rawness in his voice drew others in. However, Dylan soon became bored and questioned the motives of various protest organizations. This lead Dylan to take his new music in a slightly different direction, heading toward a more rock sound. The decision of Dylan to go electric was met with some negative feedback by some of his fans and many in his former folk community. Nevertheless, the decision allowed Dylan to break new ground in his music and was eventually deemed a good move. In 1965 Highway 61 Revisited was released which contained the track Like a Rolling Stone, at over six minutes long this song was like nothing that he had done before. 
In 1966 Dylan withdrew from the public eye. Exhausted from touring and still facing difficulties with some of his fan over the decision to go electric, Dylan needed the break. In a little over a year Dylan was back in the studio working, though tours did not resume for nearly eight years. Dylan continued to release new material and was again met with some opposition in the early 1970s. However, Dylan has proved himself to be a noteworthy musician both solo and as a part of groups like the short-lived supergroup The Traveling Wilburys to which he contributed his signature rough sound. To this day Dylan is celebrated as he continues to receive awards and release new music.
Listening Recommendations:
• Like a Rolling Stone
• Shelter From the Storm
• Hurricane