Like a Rolling Stone

This Day in Music History: June 16, 1965

Bob Dylan is an American musician, singer-songwriter, artist, and writer whose most celebrated works originated in the 60s. Dylan's early songs, such classics as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. On this day June 16, 1965, Dylan left behind his initial base in the culture of the folk music revival with his six-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" that radically altered the parameters of popular music.

 Blowin' in the Wind

The Dylan version of this song was never a hit - it was a cover by Peter, Paul & Mary that made #2 in the US in February, 1963, introducing many people to the music of Bob Dylan, who was an obscure Folk singer at the time.

 The Times They Are a-Changin'

This became an anthem for frustrated youth. It summed up the anti-establishment feelings of people who would later be known as hippies. Many of the lyrics are based on the Movements for Civil Rights in the US.

 

 Like a Rolling Stone

The title is not a reference to The Rolling Stones. It is taken from the phrase "A rolling stone gathers no moss." Dylan got the idea from the Hank Williams song "Lost Highway," which contains the line, "I'm a rolling stone, I'm alone and lost."

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...