Bob Dylan (Robert Allen Zimmerman) | First Editions

1941

Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, artist and writer. He has been influential in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when his songs chronicled social unrest, although Dylan repudiated suggestions from journalists that he was a spokesman for his generation. Early songs such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" became anthems for the American civil rights and anti-war movements, and continue in their popularity

Dylan's lyrics are a medley of various political, social, philosophical, and literary influences, which defied existing pop music conventions and appealed to the burgeoning 'counterculture' audience. His recording career, spanning more than 50 years, has explored the traditions in American song—from folk, blues, and country to gospel, rock and roll, and rockabilly. He has even performed in the style of English, Scottish, and Irish folk music, among others. Dylan's lyrical genius is considered his greatest achievement.

Since 1994, Dylan has published six books of drawings and paintings, and his work has been exhibited in major art galleries. Dylan has sold more than 100 million music records, establishing him one of the best-selling artists of all time. The Pulitzer Prize jury in 2008 awarded Dylan a special citation for "his profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power", and in May 2012, Dylan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

Dylan has published Tarantula, a work of prose poetry, Chronicles: Volume One, the first part of his memoirs, several books of the lyrics of his songs, and six books of his art. He has been the subject of many biographies and critical studies of his work.

See below our stock of Bob Dylan signed and collectible material.