A popular figure in American music and culture for more than five decades, Robert Zimmerman, popularly known as Bob Dylan, changed the value of music, blurring the lines of rock and folk, and influencing the movement for social change during a decade of war and discovery.
Never one claiming to change the world, Dylan adamantly denied the ability of music to influence social and political change, yet he became the voice of a generation.
Gaining fame as the reluctant figurehead of the counter-culture, Dylan incorporated religion, politics, literature and pop culture into his unique style of writing and performing. Embracing more than just the folk music, he transcended all expectations and social influence to create his own.
One of his most popular anthems, "The Times They Are a-Changin'," spoke against violence in the Civil Rights movement and the disintegration of farming communities.
He sang at the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I have a dream" speech. He spoke up after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, acknowledging that he saw a little of himself in the assassin, a move that did not go over well with the National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee.
And yet, Dylan is still uniquely American, using his voice to take unpopular stances and appeal to a largely misunderstood culture.
Nearly 50 years after Dylan first began making his mark, he is finally being honored for his service to the music community. The Pulitzer board presented Dylan with a Special Citation for his "profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power."
The great thing about Dylan is that he would probably resist the acclaim of this editorial. He would deny his influence, popularity and even appeal. He didn't do what he did for the people or for fame, or to change the world. He just had something to say. The fact that so many people spanning generations identify with him is a testament to who he is and his message. A man with a guitar, keyboard and harmonica set the pulse of the 60s and continues to influence the music of our time and coming generations.
The man behind the dark Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses intrigued reporters, fans and critics alike. A man of few words, he made no apologies for himself and his beliefs, while simultaneously denying his profound impact.
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