Bob Dylan Research Paper

Bob Dylan has beenwas a controversial figure throughout history. At first, his songs created turmoil amongst the ruling class of America. Secondly, on being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for the year 2016, he became an argumentative figure in the whole of literary world. Can musicians also be poets? Do musicians have what it takes to become a poet? Can the word ‘poet’ only be associated with figures of the literary world? Was the Swedish Academy right in their decision to judge him as a poet? In this term paper, I hope to find the answers to all these questions, firstly by checking whether he had true concern for his age and a spirit to reform the society; Secondly by checking whether his lyrics has the stylistic features that we

Born in the year 1941, his music became so influential that, as recorded by the Nobel Prize Committee - it “created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. “Like a Rolling Stone” which was recorded in 1965 marked the beginning of his musical journey. He spread his repertoire as a song writer, singer, artist and writer. Counterculture, which rejected the conventional social norms, found its way into the popular music of the time. Woody Guthrie, through his music, became one of the chief propagators of this culture. Bob Dylan, who also got influenced by this culture and Woody’s persona, reflected it in his style of music and lyrics. He first began his career by performing the popular songs of Woody Guthrie. The year 1963 saw the release of ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’ which is acclaimed as one of his most original poetic voices in the history of American popular music. Similarly, his songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Time they Are A-ChanginChanging” became anthems of the American Civil War. In the 1960s – 80s, Bob Dylan was at the peak of his career. As a musician, he was involved several genres of music like folk rock and country rock. Although he sold more than hundred million records, his lyrics are considered to be his greatest contribution to music and also to