by Barry Cohen

Created on: June 21, 2008

When assessing Bob Dylan's talent and career what scale do we judge him by. First his longevity must be mentioned. His music has spanned five decades. The passion from his
music has not wanned.

His diversity could also be a factor in assessing his career. He has touched the musical scales of folk, blues, rock and roll, country, gospel , psychadelic and rockabilly. Within each category many songs come to mind. The music reaches out and grabs you. His lyrics are so pictureresque that scenes play out in one's mind.

Dylan is the master of important causes. His early music focussed on anti war songs and nuclear proliferation. Later a song and tour for Reuben Hurricane Carter helped secure his release from prison.

He has influenced more artists than any other musician. Among the many musicians that sung his songs proudly were Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds, The Band, and Peter, Paul and Mary. In turn he was influenced by many. His early songs reflected styles of Pete Seger and Woody Guthrie.

Another crucial aspect of Dylan's career is his musical and lyrical genius. The tubular bells
in " Mr Tambourine Man" will transfix you. The sardonic wit of " Motorpsycho Nightmare" will
make you chuckle. The gospel tune " Gotta Serve Somebody" will make you think that there is
a spirtuality that we must all adhere to.

The written music and lyrics are intertwined with incredible guitar and harmonica playing. The
opening harmonica in the western soap opera "Lily, Rosemary and The Jack Of Hearts" is brilliant. The rapid harmonica playing sets the mood for a town that will be involved in murder, love affairs and betrayal. There is another great harmonica solo in "I'll Be Your Baby
Tonight." The crooning Dylan sets a romantic mood with soft harmonica playing.

The man had a determination to succeed. He was on a mission which began on the small stage of
Hibbing Minnesota and was carried to the greater stage of the east, namely Greenwich Village.
His struggles were many, his life experiences varied. No other artist has been as sucessfully eclectic as Bob Dylan.His entire persona exudes I dont care what you think of me, I just love to play my music. He was not afraid to experiment as evidenced by his electric guitar playing at The Newport Folk Festival. A weaker artist would have folded and gone back to the old style as they were booed. Dylan stood his ground and played on. The man has stood his ground
over and over and his talent has rang through. His music has carried the passage of time and will continue to do so for years to come.

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