Aside from Mozart, Bob Dylan may be the most prolific artist of all time. He has been an active musician from 1959 until today. He is one of the most influential musicians of all time. He was the figurehead of the anti-war movement - listen to the song "Masters of War." He was also the figurehead of the civil rights movment - listen to "Blowin' in the Wind."
His style transcends the bounds that most people apply to music. His style changed so much, and because of it he alienated diehard fans. His early style might first be described as folk. He played many folk covers, and most of his songs featured his guitar, his voice, and his harmonica. Listen to "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall," and "Don't Think Twice It's Allright," for his masterpieces of folk.
It all changed, however, in 1965. One concert changed music history forever - The Newport Folk Festival. Instead of sticking to his past years' style, Dylan went electric. Dylan played 3 songs with an band similar to many rock groups, and then left. He was booed and cheered off the stage.
His next couple of alblums are some of the greatest of all times, "Highway 61 Revisted" "Blonde on Blonde" and "Bringin' it all back home"
His style continues to change, though I blieve his best work was of the 60s and 70s.
Interesting tidbits:
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Bob Dylan was ranked second in the Rolling Stones Top 100 Artists (Second to the Beatles)
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Bob Dylan's son Jakob Dylan is the lead singer of The Wallflowers