Over 80 years of Bob Dylan's life and career
55+
Key Events
1941
Born
1962
First Album
2020
Latest Album
Born to Abram and Beatrice Zimmerman at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.
The Zimmerman family relocates to the iron mining town that will shape young Bobby's worldview.
Begins absorbing rock and roll, blues, and country music from the radio.
High school rock and roll band performs at local talent shows in Hibbing.
Begins college but spends most time in Dinkytown coffeehouses discovering folk music.
Leaves college after less than two years to pursue music full-time.
Hitchhikes to NYC to meet his hero Woody Guthrie and enter the Greenwich Village folk scene.
Opens for John Lee Hooker at the legendary Greenwich Village venue.
Glowing review calls Dylan "one of the most distinctive stylists to play in a Manhattan cabaret in months."
Legendary producer John Hammond signs the 20-year-old to a major label deal.
Robert Zimmerman officially becomes Bob Dylan in New York Supreme Court.
First album features mostly traditional folk covers. Sells poorly but establishes his recording career.
Breakthrough album featuring "Blowin' in the Wind" establishes Dylan as the voice of a generation.
Performs with Joan Baez, becoming the star of the folk revival.
Sings "Only a Pawn in Their Game" at the historic civil rights rally.
Title track becomes a generational anthem. Peak of his protest singer period.
Turn toward introspective material signals move away from protest songs.
Goes electric on side one. "Subterranean Homesick Blues" becomes first Top 40 hit.
The most controversial performance in rock history. Folk purists are outraged.
"Like a Rolling Stone" tops charts. Considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
Secret wedding to Sara Lownds in a civil ceremony on Long Island.
Rock's first double album. Recorded in Nashville with legendary session musicians.
Fan yells "Judas!" during electric set. Dylan responds: "I don't believe you... you're a liar!"
Crashes motorcycle, leading to complete withdrawal from public life.
Stripped-down return. "All Along the Watchtower" later immortalized by Hendrix.
Full country embrace with transformed vocal style. Duet with Johnny Cash.
Controversial double album. Rolling Stone asks "What is this shit?"
First of many honorary degrees, though Dylan did not attend the ceremony.
Surprise appearance at George Harrison's benefit concert at Madison Square Garden.
First major tour in eight years. Massive demand - over 5 million ticket requests.
Masterpiece of heartbreak. Often called his greatest album.
Theatrical touring carnival featuring Joan Baez, Allen Ginsberg, and others.
#1 album featuring "Hurricane" and violin throughout. Scarlet Rivera joins.
Marriage ends after custody battle. Five children from the union.
Religious conversion that will define the next several years of his career.
First Christian album. "Gotta Serve Somebody" wins Grammy.
Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for "Gotta Serve Somebody."
Closes Philadelphia concert with Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood.
Supergroup with George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne.
Inducted by Bruce Springsteen, who calls him "the father of my country."
Begins relentless touring schedule that will continue for over 30 years.
Daniel Lanois-produced comeback. Critics welcome return to form.
Jack Nicholson presents the award at the 33rd Grammy ceremony.
All-star tribute featuring Neil Young, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and more.
Late-career masterpiece wins Album of the Year Grammy. Critical triumph.
Receives lifetime achievement honor from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Best Original Song for "Things Have Changed" from the film "Wonder Boys."
Acclaimed album released on the day of the September 11 attacks.
Memoir becomes New York Times bestseller and critical success.
Debuts at #1 - first chart-topping album since 1976's "Desire."
"For his profound impact on popular music and American culture."
President Obama presents the nation's highest civilian honor.
"For having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition."
First original album in 8 years. "Murder Most Foul" becomes first #1 single at age 79.
Reported $300+ million deal for over 600 copyrights spanning 60 years.