Saturday, November 28, 2009

May You Stay Forever Young

photo by Jerry Schatzberg from Blonde on Blonde


Recently, while staying at the Ocean Place Resort on the shores of New Jersey, Bob Dylan took a mid-afternoon stroll. Residents called the police to complain about ' a scruffy man, acting suspiciously.' When Dylan was detained by two young officers who did not recognize him by his appearance or by name it became much more of a news item.

Whether or not you're a fan of his music, it's surprising that anybody with access to Itunes, the radio, television or a library hasn't heard of Bob Dylan. Still, I understand the tendency to mythologize a person in their perfect youth. When I think of Dylan, the image I conjure is definitely young Bob. His most popular tunes played on the radio are from his early years, full of youthful anger, disappointment and amazement.

Dylan and many other 'rock legends' continue to record and tour. They perform new material, but always deliver at least a few songs from way back. Those songs are like old friends; in them we can be forever young.

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