Bob Dylan turned 80 today.
One of the most influential figures in music history - and a case can be made that he's the most influential - celebrates a true milestone.
As a writer, I've always been drawn to musicians who are storytellers. And nobody can tell a story like Dylan. "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." "Like a Rolling Stone." "Hurricane." "The Times They Are A-Changin." "Mr. Tambourine Man." "Forever Young." "Positively 4th Street." "Every Grain Of Sand."
An embarrassment of song riches.
As a lyricist, he's a master.
Some of his six-minute songs feel like two-hour movies. He is a natural treasure who continues to tour (before the pandemic, anyway) like he's an up and comer, not an icon. As for his live performances, well, it depends upon what night you see him.
His voice isn't as strong as in the 1960s or 1970s, that's for sure. I'm a Springsteen guy. I love the way Bruce will jump into the crowd, tell stories, and hold 60,000 people in the palm of his hand during his four-hour shows.
That's not Dylan. Dylan will hardly engage the audience at all. He messes with arrangements so even hard-core fans aren't sure what song is being played. But Dylan continues to put out new music and take his show on the road. On his terms, of course.
He could rest on his laurels. He could have retired in 1974 and gone down as one of the true musical greats of all time.
But he's opted to stay in the game, chase his next masterpiece. And I, for one, can't wait to see what the future holds for the native of Hibbing, Minn.
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