Profile of the Day: Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

Congratulations to Bob Dylan! It was announced today that legendary singer and songwriter was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

Dylan’s win for the Nobel Prize was a surprise for many. He is the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature since author Toni Morrison won the prize in 1993. He’s also the first person who is considered primarily a musician to win the award.

Born Robert Allen Zimmerman, he took on the name “Bob Dylan” after the poet Dylan Thomas when he began performing in college. He rose to prominence during the 1960s at a time when society was undergoing much unrest. During this time, Dylan became a voice for an entire generation and his songs help galvanize the civil rights and anti-war movements in the country. Today, he continues to be one of the most influential musicians in the world.

What’s your favorite Bob Dylan song?
 

View Bob Dylan’s Geni Profile

Image: Xavier Badosa, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)