Robert Allen Zimmerman

Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941) is an

American singer-songwriter, author, musician and poet who has
been a major figure in popular music for five decades. Much of
Dylan's best known work is from the 1960s when he became an
informal documentarian and reluctant figurehead of American
unrest. Some of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The
Times They Are a-Changin'",[1] became anthems of the anti-war
and civil rights movements. Forty years later, his 2001 album
"Love and Theft", reached the top five on the charts in the U.S.
and the UK. His latest studio album, Modern Times, released on
August 29, 2006, became his first US #1 album in thirty years,
making him the oldest living person to top the charts at the age
of 65.
Dylan's early lyrics incorporated politics, social commentary,
philosophy and literary influences, defying existing pop music
conventions and appealing widely to the counterculture of the
time. While expanding and personalising musical styles, he has
shown steadfast devotion to many traditions of American song,
from folk and country/blues to rock 'n' roll and rockabilly, to
Celtic balladry, even jazz, swing and Broadway.
Dylan performs with the guitar, keyboard and harmonica. Backed
by a changing lineup of musicians, he has toured steadily since the
late 1980s on what has been dubbed the Never Ending Tour. He
has also recently performed alongside other major artists, such
as Paul Simon, Joan Baez, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Jack
White, Eric Clapton, The Band, Mark Knopfler and the Foo
Fighters. Although his contributions as performer and recording
artist have been central to his career, his songwriting is generally
held as his highest accomplishment.