I became interested in folk music because I had to make it somehow

I became interested in folk music because I had to make it somehow

Bob Dylan is often credited with bringing folk music to the mainstream in the 1960s, and his influence on the genre cannot be overstated. His unique blend of poetic lyrics, raw emotion, and social commentary set him apart from his contemporaries and helped to define the folk music movement of the time.

Dylan's interest in folk music was not just a passing phase or a trend to capitalize on – it was a deep-seated passion that drove him to create some of the most iconic songs in the genre. In his early years, Dylan immersed himself in the music of artists like Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and Pete Seeger, learning their songs and absorbing their storytelling techniques. He was drawn to the honesty and authenticity of folk music, which allowed him to express his own thoughts and feelings in a way that felt true to himself.

As Dylan's career began to take off, he found himself at the forefront of a cultural revolution, using his music to speak out against injustice and inequality. Songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements, resonating with a generation of young people who were hungry for change.

But for Dylan, folk music was more than just a platform for political activism – it was a way of life. He once said, "I became interested in folk music because I had to make it somehow." This statement speaks to the deep connection he felt to the music and the sense of purpose it gave him. For Dylan, folk music was a means of self-expression, a way to make sense of the world around him, and a way to connect with others who shared his beliefs and values.