Reading the 20th Century discussion

Since Bob Dylan's 80th birthday I have been immersed in various BBC radio programmes about His Bobness


He's incredible

I have never read a Bob biog though

Do any of you lovely people have any top tips?

I'm a longtime Dylan fan but haven't read any good recent biographies. His own memoir Chronicles is interesting, and the classic 1980s biography by Robert Shelton, No Direction Home, but that's now very out of date.

Thanks Judy


Chronicles: Volume One is the only one I've read - I loved it

I have never read a biography of Dylan. Not sure why - do I sense a possible buddy read appearing?!

I love Dylan. Have only seen him live once and every song seemed a little blurred - you had to wait for him to sing to know which one it was, so the crowd were on tenderhooks until he sung the first line!!!

Can't understand why some people don't like his voice, to be honest. Of course, also many Beatle associations :)

I will definitely be reading or listening to a Dylan biog. Still working out which one. I'll keep you posted

I did read one by Howard Sounes some years back but wasn't too impressed as far as I remember. I think I felt he was a bit negative but I may be misremembering!

I would be interested in any suggestions too.

Someone I know who runs a record shop and is ridiculously knowledgeable replied to my message...


Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan by Howard Sounes and No Direction Home: The Life and Music of Bob Dylan by Robert Shelton are considered the most definitive.

I've read both and enjoyed them immensely, in fact Shelton's had me buying loads of back catalogue.

No Direction Home: The Life and Music of Bob Dylan was written some years back so doesn't encompass his later years.

Clinton Heylin has written loads, never read any and mixed reviews.


Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan by Howard Sounes is available on Audible so I will go for that one


I'd be delighted to do it as a buddy read. I plan to read it quite soon as I'm currently filled with enthusiasm and intrigue. If you fancy it then let me know. I'll quite understand if timing doesn't work, or you don't fancy this particular title.


The blurb....

Hailed as "Music Book of the Year" by Uncut magazine on publication, and a finalist for the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award, Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan is an essential biography for Bob Dylan fans and all music enthusiasts, delivering the full, fascinating story of the life and work of this great artist.

Author Howard Sounes interviewed more than 250 key people in Dylan’s circle, and gained access to previously unseen documents, to create a fresh and compelling book that takes the reader on a journey from Dylan’s childhood in a Minnesota mining town, through his rise to fame in the 1960s, to his current status as the senior figure in popular music.

Howard Sounes is known for writing detailed and revelatory biographies of extraordinary personalities, including the American poet Charles Bukowski (Locked in the Arms of a Crazy Life) and the singer-songwriters Paul McCartney (Fab) and Lou Reed (Notes from the Velvet Underground).

I actually have the Audible book, Nigeyb. However, I can't commit just now and don't want to hold you back if you want to dive straight into it.

I could just put an undated buddy read thread up and anyone who wants to read it could post as and when?


Or, perhaps even better, we could just use this thread to post about and discuss any biographies we read?

Yes, I look forward to hearing your thoughts, Nigeyb. I am a bit over-whelmed with NetGalley books at the moment and RC just added to my tbr list!

I've now started it. Very promising first chapter

I've just finished...


Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan by Howard Sounes

Loved it

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

Good to hear, Nigeyb.