Collection

Bob Dylan: A Profile

Famed American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan (aka Robert Zimmerman) was born in Duluth on May 24, 1941. After growing up in Hibbing, Minnesota, Dylan briefly attended University of Minnesota and was involved in the Dinkytown folk music scene. In 1960, he dropped out of college and moved to New York City to immerse himself in that music scene and in the decades that followed, he grew into what many consider America’s finest songwriter.

Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.  

21 Collection Items


  • Dylan's literary roots went through Hibbing classroom

    Bob Dylan's literary roots may be as tangled as the Nobel Prize winner's famously enigmatic lyrics, but at some point they invariably end up in the Hibbing High School classroom of B.J. Rolfzen. MPR’s Dan Kraker profiles the teacher and his future music icon student.

    Oct. 13, 20164 min
  • Bob Dylan receives Medal of Freedom in White House ceremony

    President Obama speaks on awarding musician and Minnesota native Bob Dylan the Medal of Freedom.

    May. 29, 20122 min
  • Boy from the North Country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota

    The Current presents “Boy from the North Country: Bob Dylan in Minnesota,” an MPR News documentary which explores Bob Dylan's Minnesota roots and how they influenced the evolution of his music.

    May. 21, 201158 min
  • Profile on "Highway 61 Revisited -- Dylan's Road from Minnesota to the World" symposium

    MPR’s Tom Crann visits the "Highway 61 Revisited -- Dylan's Road from Minnesota to the World" symposium sponsored by the Weisman Art Museum at University of Minnesota. Crann speaks with numerous Dylan scholars and other attendees about Dylan’s influence and importance.

    Mar. 27, 20078 min
  • Acclaimed poet Anne Waldman talks about the words of Bob Dylan

    The Current’s Steve Seel interviews American poet Anne Waldman about the writing and vocalization of Bob Dylan, and the singer’s connection to beat poetry scene. Waldman She was featured along with Allen Ginsberg in Bob Dylan's experimental film “Renaldo and Clara.”

    Mar. 26, 200713 min
  • Bobby Vee reflects on a young Bob Dylan

    The Current’s Steve Seel interviews American singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Vee about working with a young Bob Dylan. Vee shares a story of Dylan playing in Vee’s band.

    Mar. 26, 20078 min
  • Exhibit explores Bobby's formative years

    MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on ‘Bob Dylan's American Journey: 1956-1966’ exhibit at Weisman Art Museum. Roberts interviews curator Colleen Sheey about the collection of Dylan artifacts. Roberts also talks with longtime Dinkytown musicians “Spider” John Koerner and Tony Glover about their reflections of time with Bobby Zimmerman when he lived in Minneapolis.

    Feb. 2, 200710 min
  • Duluth city council looks at naming street after Bob Dylan

    MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports on Duluth city council preparing vote on naming part of a city street in honor of Bob Dylan. 

    May. 22, 2006
  • Differing views on renaming a Duluth street after Dylan

    Duluth city councilors consider adding Bob Dylan's name to a few blocks of London Road. MPR's Stephanie Hemphill reports on the numerous perspectives on naming area of road after the famous musician born in Duluth.

    May. 22, 2006
  • Bob Dylan and the "Minnesota Party Tape"

    It is the stuff of legend among Bob Dylan devotees - an early recording of Dylan singing folk songs with friends in a Dinkytown apartment. But apparently only a few diehards have ever heard the so-called "Minnesota Party Tape." Until now. The tape has surfaced and is available for public listening. The Minnesota Historical Society has acquired the tape from Minnesotan Cleve Pettersen, who in 1960, thought it would be a good idea to record some local music acts in the Dinkytown area of Minneapolis on his new tape recorder.

    Jan. 14, 20053 min