Overview

This study of Bob Dylan's art employs a performance studies lens, exploring the distinctive ways he brings words and music to life on recordings, onstage, and onscreen. Chapters focus on the relationship of Dylan's recorded performances to the historical bardic role, to the American popular song tradition, and to rock music culture. His uses of both stage and studio to shape his performances are explored, as are his forays into cinema. Special consideration is given to his vocal performances and to his use of particular personae as a performer. The full scope of Dylan's body of work to date is situated in terms of the influences that have shaped his performances and the ways these performances have shaped contemporary popular music.

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9781498582636

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Reviews

The historical and cultural connections drawn in this work are vital for a complete understanding of Dylan, while the insightful interpretations of the performances remind us that we can always revisit great artists. The scholarship is impeccable; the authors are familiar with the vast Dylan literature as well as with the equally overwhelming amount of albums, concerts, outtakes, etc, that form the Dylan oeuvre. As a long-time Dylan fan, it did open my eyes, or rather my ears, up to new ways to appreciating Dylan. After 40 years of listening to him, that is no small accomplishment. -- Peter Vernezze, Weber State University

Author Information

Keith Nainby is professor of communication studies at California State University, Stanislaus. John M. Radosta teaches English and creative writing at Milton High School.

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