Bob Dylan , Rock and Roll Icon?

This Thursday May 24th Rock and Roll icon Bob Dylan celebrates his 71rst birthday. What is amazing about Bob Dylan is that his music has spanned over 6 decades and he has a dozen top 40 hits that he sang himself and not one of them was a number one hit.

What makes Bob Dylan a Rock and Roll icon? Some would say that he was the innovator of folk-rock style of music, that he was very influential in not only creating this genre of music but the influence that he’s had on other successful artists, namely Springsteen, The Band, Johnny Cash, The Grateful Dead, Tom Petty, Prince and so many others. He’s released 58 albums, still continues to tour to sold out audiences, he’s been inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has received too many awards to mention. His continued perseverance, biting lyrics and mesmerizing story telling in my opinion, makes him a Rock and Roll icon.

I remember seeing the house he grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota and thinking how simple the house, how simple the lifestyle, and thinking where did his lyrics of life, of hard times, trials and tribulations come from?

It was always presented with such passion and poetic license. He had an amazing researched outlook on life, love and what he believed to be the rights and injustices of the world. It doesn't matter whether you agree with the message that Dylan conveys in his songs but you really have to respect his passion for the story he tells. Happy Birthday Bob.

This Thursday my good friend Pat Guadagno heads to the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank to celebrate and perform the music of Bob Dylan with BobFest 2012. Pat has assembled an incredible band that captures the passion, music and song of Bob Dylan with incredible force. Pat is also donating a portion of the proceeds to The Anthony Guadagno Scholarship Fund and The Rock and Roll Music Fund two great New Jersey based charities. This is one of my favorite shows and I encourage you to go and bring someone who has never had the chance to experience the music of Bob Dylan. You won't be disappointed. See you there. For tickets click here.