Bob Dylan's Milestones

Bob Dylan is an influential American singer-songwriter, Nobel laureate in Literature, known for poetic lyrics, iconic songs like Blowin in the Wind, and shaping folk and rock music history.
1941

Birth

Bob Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, to Abram and Beatrice Zimmerman.

Family May 24, 1941
1947

Family moved to Hibbing

Moved with his family to Hibbing, Minnesota, where he grew up and attended high school.

Location June 1, 1947
1956

Early musical influences

Formed high school bands and was influenced by rock and roll, blues, and folk music.

Education January 1, 1956 - June 1, 1959
1960

Changed name to Bob Dylan

Changed his name from Robert Zimmerman to Bob Dylan while attending the University of Minnesota.

Other September 1, 1960
1961

Moved to New York City

Moved to New York City to pursue a music career and immerse himself in the folk scene.

Location January 24, 1961

Signed with Columbia Records

Signed a recording contract with Columbia Records after gaining attention in Greenwich Village.

Achievement October 25, 1961
1962

First album released

Released his self-titled debut album, marking the start of his recording career.

Achievement March 19, 1962
1963

'Blowin' in the Wind' released

Released 'Blowin' in the Wind,' which became an anthem of the civil rights movement.

Achievement May 27, 1963
1964

'The Times They Are a-Changin'' released

Released 'The Times They Are a-Changin',' cementing his status as a leading songwriter of social commentary.

Achievement January 13, 1964
1965

'Like a Rolling Stone' released

Released 'Like a Rolling Stone,' widely regarded as one of the greatest songs in rock history.

Achievement July 20, 1965

Newport Folk Festival (went electric)

Performed with electric instruments at the Newport Folk Festival, marking a pivotal moment in music history.

Achievement July 25, 1965
1966

Motorcycle accident

Suffered a serious motorcycle accident, leading to a period of seclusion.

Other July 29, 1966
1967

Return with 'John Wesley Harding'

Returned to recording with the album 'John Wesley Harding,' marking a shift in musical style.

Achievement December 27, 1967
1975

'Blood on the Tracks' released

Released 'Blood on the Tracks,' considered one of his greatest albums.

Achievement January 20, 1975

Rolling Thunder Revue

Embarked on the Rolling Thunder Revue tour, featuring a rotating cast of musicians and theatrical performances.

Achievement October 30, 1975 - May 25, 1976
1979

Conversion to Christianity and 'Slow Train Coming'

Released 'Slow Train Coming' after a period of religious conversion to Christianity.

Other August 20, 1979
1988

Never Ending Tour

Began the 'Never Ending Tour,' performing live concerts almost continuously since then.

Achievement June 7, 1988
2016

Nobel Prize in Literature

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.

Achievement October 13, 2016