This Friday, August 17th, Bob Dylan and his Band will take the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center stage, with the iconic American artist performing songs that have shaped a nation. Hailed as one of the most influential musicians of modern times, some of Dylan’s renowned works include ‘Tangled Up In Blue,’ ‘Like a Rolling Stone,’ and ‘The Times They Are a-Changin’.’ Often an expression of his personal life and the sentiments of the 60’s and 70’s, Dylan became a figure head for social unrest and anti-war movements.
However, the impact of Dylan’s talent reaches further than most realize, with his songwriting credits spanning an incredible array of musicians. For instance, Eric Clapton’s reggae-influenced ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ is actually a song written by Bob Dylan, initially for the 1973 film Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. Often credited to The Byrds, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ was originally written and performed by Dylan on his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ was the debut single by The Byrds, and would go on to initiate the folk rock boom of 1965 and 1966. First released in 1968 as smash hit ‘Mighty Quinn’ by British band Manfred Mann, the song was first written and recorded by Dylan during The Basement Tapes sessions in 1967. Also written by Dylan in 1967 was ‘I Shall Be Released,’ which later was released by The Band on their debut album, Music from Big Pink.
The cultural influences of Bob Dylan are present in many of the iconic songs of the 60’s and 70’s, a telling portrait of changing times and a folk-rock revolution. With Dylan at the songwriting helm, many musicians who would go on to become significant cultural figures got their start with assistance from Dylan. One of American music’s legendary icons, we are excited to host An Evening with Bob Dylan and his Band at 8:00pm, Friday, August 17th.