Bob Dylan has reached his 70th Birthday. As is widely documented, he was born Robert Allen Zimmerman – seventy years ago on 24th May 1941. I imagine it is no coincidence that he changed his name to something close to that of the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, because he has been the closest thing to a “Poet of Pop” for the past 45 years. Indeed, he is also the greatest “Philosopher and Prophet of Pop”!!

As a “War Baby” born in the year that the USA entered the Second World War, following the bombing of Pearl Harbour by the Japanese, it is appropriate that Bob Dylan cut his teeth ( adult not baby teeth!! ) and indeed cut his early records with Anti Vietnam War Protest songs in the mid to late 1960s. Bob Dylan’s early lyrics incorporated a wide spectrum of political, social and philosophical, as well as literary influences. The songs defied existing pop music conventions and appealed hugely to the then burgeoning counterculture. Along with his social revolutionary zeal, Bob Dylan was also responsible for revolutionising the record industry and consumer / public perception of the limits of popular music in 1965, with the six-minute single “Like a Rolling Stone”. Many of these early songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times they are a-Changin'” became anthems for the US civil rights movements, as well as the anti-war movement.

I have a confession at this juncture. I am not a Bob Dylan officianado!! Far from it!! I’m not familiar with any of his albums. I’ve grown to love his 1960s singles, and possess many of them in my vinyl record collection. It took me a number of years to hear his message beyond the slightly jarring, unorthodox vocal style. As a rule, I am not a lyrics person, but it is hard not to be moved by his heartfelt, humanitarian message!! Like most of us, I’ve grown up with his music and message permeating into my soul, and although not Bob Dylan’s biggest fan, I recognise that the world would have been a poorer place for him not being around. Therefore I merely wanted to acknowledge and record on this Blog, that in a world where the times are constantly a changing, Bob Dylan has been a constant light of hope for many in the past 45 years. If ever there was a case for a Global Poet Laureate, then this Septagenarian would be my candidate!! Many Happy Returns Sir Bob Dylan, on reaching a well deserved 70th Birthday……

So why not celebrate Bob Dylan’s 70th Birthday, and mark this significant Anniversary and milestone with a song souvenir?…………Get your favourite Bob Dylan vinyl records or compact discs ( singles or albums ), framed and mounted, by clicking on….. http://www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Alternatively you can buy a Bob Dylan “Song Souvenir” for a family member, or friend……this would make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration ie a 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Mother’s or Father’s Day or Valentine’s Day!! THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!

If like me you are not an authority on Mr Dylan’s back catalogue, can I recommend that you click on this Guardian music blog link to find a suggested Top 20 of his best songs………. www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/may/20/twenty-favourite-bob-dylan-songs

In a recent poll to celebrate Bob Dylan’s 70th Birthday, Rolling Stone’s readers have picked their favourite Dylan tracks. Here is the Top 10……. www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/rolling-stone-readers-pick-their-10-favorite-bob-dylan-songs-20110518/0343416

Time Magazine have published their Ten Best and Ten Worst Bob Dylan songs. Do you agree?…… www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2072732,00.html

For a further article on Bob Dylan, to mark his 70th Birthday, by Time Magazine…….. www.time.com/time/interactive/0,31813,2071386,00.html

For news and other merchandise, go to the Official Bob Dylan website…….. www.bobdylan.com/