Happy Birthday Bob

Bob Dylan is 69 years old today.

That is unbelievable, considering he still plays and sings around the world on what he calls "the endless tour."

Bob Dylan is an iconic American figure. For a Jewish kid from the Iron Range of Minnesota, I'd say he's had a pretty remarkable impact on American music. Even those who don't particularly care for his voice (and my Red Head is among these)will have to admit that he has written some great songs that have been made and remade by countless other artists.

One of the most interesting aspects of Dylan's life is his ability to seemingly re-invent himself every few years. I believe this is his strategy to keep the public from defining him or his music. Over his life he has been labelled as: the great-American folk singer (in reality all music is "folk" music); the poster-boy spokesman for the Left (although he claims he is not political); a born-again Christian (two great Gospel albums); a country singer; an orthodox Jew (based on some visits to Israel); and a rock and roll icon (although he writes and plays many styles of music). I believe he sees himself as a singer-songwriter, and nothing more.

I have mentioned Dylan's book ("Chronicles") in a previous post. It is a good read if you are interested in the man and his music.

Happy Birthday, Bob--and many more.