Bob Dylan, one of the most recognized musicians of all time, will be playing at American University in Washington, D.C., this Saturday, April 3. Beginning at 7 p.m., the show promises to be amazing.
Dylan, who grew up listening to other folk and rock legends such as Elvis Presley and Woody Guthrie, began his music career just one year into college. It was during this time performing at local nightspots in New York City that Dylan mastered the guitar and harmonica, for which he is so famous, and developed the trademark nasal voice that characterizes his sound.
In 1961, just two years after Dylan began performing, a combination of his incredible talent and rave reviews by news critic Robert Shelton led to a record deal with Columbia records. He gained recognition with his second and third albums, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan and The Times They Are A-Changin as well as through the production of several of folk music's most durable anthems, including a cover of Peter Paul and Mary's "Blowin' in the Wind." By his fourth album, his tone had changed from the protest folk songs for which he had become so famous.
In 1965, Dylan began recording with a nine-member band. What emerged was an album mixed with electric and acoustic biting songs including the ever-popular "Mr. Tambourine Man." Dylan's switch to the rock and roll genre also produced monumental songs including "Like a Rolling Stone". "Blonde on Blonde" took Dylans famous stream-of-consciousness lyrics and edgy rock sounds to the next level of artistry.
After a steady steam of albums, in 1974, Dylan began touring with the Band, something he had done several years earlier. These concerts were legendary a record 12 million tickets were requested for 658,000 available seats.
Towards the end of the tour, a divorce with wife Sarah led to the creation of Blood on the Tracks, perhaps the most mature, moving and profound examination of love and loss ever committed to record, and certainly one of the most critically acclaimed and well known albums of all times.
While Dylan had toured regularly since returning to the stage with the Band in 1974, beginning in the mid-'80s he hit the road full-time, after releasing several relatively unsuccessful albums, with famed groups Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and the Grateful Dead.
After nearly 40 years of touring and recording albums, Dylan continues to play across the United States and the rest of the world. Tickets for the upcoming D.C. show are on sale for $45. Don't miss the opportunity to see one of the most legendary musicians ever perform. For more information on the concert or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.ticketmaster.com. For more information on Bob Dylan, visit http://www.bobdylan.com.
