Bob Dylan’s an artist that transcends time. Like a Michelangelo sculpting or a Salinger short story, the man and his creation weave into the fabric of our lives. “Play some Dylan!” is an exclamation universally understood now and forever. His voice defines unique and his harmonica made blowing into mouth organs cool.
I first introduced my kids to Dylan by playing songs and albums you can’t help but sing along to. Through classics like “All I Really Want to Do” from Another Side of Bob Dylan and “Maggie’s Farm” from Bringing It All Back Home, my kids learned how to crush choruses by singing at the top of their lungs, out of tune alongside their father. They learned how to handle vinyl with Dylan records, which is the way I hope they learn how to handle life too – on the edges.
Any time a Dylan record starts spinning in my home, we rejoice. We don’t talk about it and it’s not something that’s planned. It just is. While my wife and I prep dinner in the kitchen, my daughter grabs a Dylan jacket that looks welcoming and sparks her intrigue. Nashville Skyline starts to play as the slow deliberate guitar playing eases us into a surprisingly mature sounding Dylan and Cash duo with “Girl from the North Country.”
If you're traveling till the north country fair
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline
Remember me to one who lives there
For she once was the true love of mine
With every song and every record, stories are told. Mountains may even move. Bob is the one and only Dylan.
Hi Stefan, you’re a very lucky man to be able to share musical moments with a wife and children. Something to be greatly cherished. I’ve seen Dylan 6 times and each time was a wonderful time and unique experience. Thanks again for posting my little Discovering Bob Dylan story on your site too.