Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941, is an American singer-songwriter considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Over his nearly 70-year career, Dylan has become a major figure in popular culture, selling an estimated 125 million records worldwide. He is known for injecting folk music with the intellectualism of classic literature and poetry, incorporating political, social, and philosophical themes into his lyrics. His songs "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements.
Dylan's impact extends beyond music; he is also a painter and writer. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition". In February 2026, a biography titled "After the Flood" was released, examining the period of Dylan's career from 1991 to 2024, highlighting his significant creative output during that time. At 84 years old, Dylan continues to tour, with a North American tour scheduled for Spring 2026.