Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan performing with Joan Baez at The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedoms, part of the civil rights movement, in 1963. 

Bob Dylan is no doubt a controversial but celebrated figure in both the world of folk and politically motivated music. His works “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963) and “The Times They Are a-Changin” (1964) are well-recognized as anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements, but Dylan has not always been faithful to the overtly political themes in his early work.  

Dylan’s change of heart inspires questions about authenticity and intent. What is sacrificed when authentic voices are ignored in favor of those looking to profit off of protest music? Does the artist’s intent in songwriting matter if an audience finds it meaningful?