Born on 24 May: Bob Dylan, a Nobel Laureate who also sings a tune

Born in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota, and currently on an American tour with Willie Nelson, he continues to spread his message from the stage. While he remains faithful to the harmonica, he has, for now at least, traded the guitar for the keyboards. At his age, there's the significant advantage of having a good excuse to stay seated…

Robert Zimmerman, his real name, probably still appears on his passport, but few people address him by it anymore. Even though it characterises his musical universe, like his folk-inspired harmonica, it's certainly not his voice that is his main asset—though its distinctive quality makes it unique. From his very first eponymous album in 1962, Bob Dylan became a champion of great political, social, and even religious causes. As exemplified by "Masters of War" on the album "The Freewheelin'" (1963)—which the artist sees more as a manifesto against arms dealers than just an anti-war anthem. Another famous example flirting with religion is "All Along The Watchtower" (1967), a song later covered by Neil Young, Eric Clapton, U2, and even, most impressively, Jimi Hendrix. There's certainly a method to his choices, even a touch of proselytism, as seen in his naming of three albums: "Saved" (1980), "Infidels" (1983), and "Oh Mercy" (1989).

One thing is certain: the American singer has never been afraid to speak his mind. Some lesser-known songs, such as "Senor (Tales Of Yankee Power)" from "Street Legal" (1978), or iconic tracks like "Hurricane" from "Desire" (1976), brilliantly prove this point.

Despite Bob Dylan's extensive discography and the many scholars who dissect his lyrics daily, the artist retains an air of mystery. He's also active in other fields, including painting and, more rarely, cinema, with a surprising role in Sam Peckinpah’s film "Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid" (1973). In 2003, he even co-wrote the screenplay for "Masked And Anonymous" with Larry Charles for the big screen.

Of course, Dylan should be congratulated for winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016—the first ever awarded to a singer—though some may regret that the Swedish jury didn’t consider Leonard Cohen before him…

(MH with Stéphane Soupart- Photo: © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Bob Dylan performing outdoors at Schaerbeek Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, 7 June 1984