Hats off to Eric Zorn’s recent column about Bob Dylan’s nomination for the Nobel Prize for literature (Metro, Sept. 30).
Mr. Zorn paid rightful homage to Dylan’s lyrical genius. It’s a shame people generally underappreciate not only Dylan’s lyrical contribution but also his musical influence and, yes, his singing. People who criticize Dylan’s singing don’t get it because they haven’t listened carefully. If they did they would hear a voice with body and character that hits every note and hits it truthfully.
As for Dylan’s musical influence, when “Highway 61 Revisited” (1965) and “Blonde on Blonde” (1966) were released, the seed for much current rock and “alternative” music was sown. Put these records on today, and, rather than sounding dated, they sound eerily prophetic.
Musicians appreciate Dylan’s impact as evinced by an all-star cast’s enthusiastic outpouring to celebrate his 30th anniversary with Columbia Records in 1992. But the general public still doesn’t get it. When Dylan dies, the pundits will extol his greatness, and then people will start to wonder what it’s all about.
