The Martha s Vineyard Times
Island poet laureate Jill Jupen says, “It’s all things Bob Dylan all the time” around her house right now, as she diligently prepares to offer a two-part, interactive program where she will delve into Dylan’s work its breadth and depth, its evolution, and its legacy for troubled times.
Dylan, born Robert Zimmerman, began performing folk songs in coffeehouses, renaming himself after the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. He has been recognized by many greats over the years, including Allen Ginsberg, who called him the greatest poet of the second half of the 20th century, and British former poet laureate Sir Andrew Motion, who has said he listens to Dylan almost every day. Per Wästberg, chair of the Nobel literature committee, said he is “probably the greatest living poet.” Certainly, no other rock musician has had their lyrics more analyzed, anthologized, and eulogized.