Making a Name for Himself – Literally
Bob was born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Minnesota on May 24, 1941, and started going by the name Dylan when he was attending the University of Minnesota. He has also gone by the names Robert Allyn and Elston. In high school, Dylan was into rock stars like Little Richard and Elvis and played their songs with his band, Golden Chords.
In 1962, Dylan’s self-titled debut album was released, and while years later it would get the reception it deserved, at the time the critics were not fans. Dylan performed for the first time with an electric guitar at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival; a bold move that didn’t pay off with the audience booing him.
Other Artistic Endeavors
If you think a creative soul like Dylan can be confined to just one art medium, think again. Bob Dylan directed and starred in the ambitious (but poorly received) film, “Renaldo and Clara.” The movie also featured his then-wife, Sara Dylan, and Joan Baez. He also acted in the films “Masked & Anonymous” and “Hearts of Fire.” Dylan has written lyrics, published a memoir, and authored a poetry book called “Tarantula.” Who knew?
He has also released volumes chronicling his lyrics. In the early 1990s, Dylan had some demons which strongly influenced his music, but he has managed to overcome it since. That’s great for everyone, because imagine a world without Bob Dylan! Tragic.
Critical Acclaim
Dylan was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2012. He was awarded The 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature. This was the first time the award was conferred upon a musician. Let’s be honest, who better to receive that accolade as Mr. Tambourine Man?