A Rolling Stone

Impact of Bob Dylan and The Beatles on mid 60’s Rock Inspired rock musicians to experiment with new ideas; to write, arrange, and produce their own songs. Brought social criticism to rock by creating FOLK-ROCK!

Bob DylanThe Beatles

Aspects of Bob Dylan’s Musical Style Sharp, incisive, biting wit reflected in lyrics continually challenging society’s shortcomings. First album was released in 1962, which was received with indifference beyond folk music circles.

Aspects of Bob Dylan’s Musical Style (continued) The 1963 cover of Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Peter, Paul and Mary became a hit and propelled Dylan to star status as a champion of acoustic folk music and a spokesman for peace. “ I don’t want to be a spokesman...I want to write from the inside of me.” Dylan said. The results were astonishingly creative songs like “Tambourine Man” and “Gates of Eden” – expansive psychological investigations into the nature of identity and consciousness of itself.

Aspects of Bob Dylan’s Musical Style (continued) Switched to electric guitar in 1965, creating a wildly original high-energy brand of electric Blues with confrontational dynamics and speed frazzled edginess (music that was Punk before its time). Released “Like a Rolling Stone” in 1965, the first rock hit more than 5 minutes in length.

Aspects of Bob Dylan’s Musical Style (continued) Essentially influenced the Beatles to write songs with more depth than ever before, while the Beatles influenced Dylan to switch from acoustic to electric guitar format.

Other Influential Groups in the Folk-Rock Context The Byrds Simon and Garfunkel The Lovin Spoonful