Bob Dylan Turns 70

Singer-songwriter and all-around musical genius Bob Dylan turns 70 today, May 24. Since bursting out of the New York City folk scene in the early '60s, the Minnesota native, born Robert Zimmerman, has pursued one of the most idiosyncratic, influential and analyzed careers in rock history.

Naturally, music publications all over the world are running special features to celebrate Dylan's birthday. Rolling Stone has him on the cover of their new issue, and has artists such as Bono and Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead discussing their favorite Dylan songs.

After revolutionizing the folk music world with songs like 'Blowin' in the Wind' and 'The Times They Are A-Changing,' Dylan made a strong and controversial move into popular rock music with his plugged-in 1965 smash 'Like a Rolling Stone.' A decade of classic albums such as 'Blonde on Blonde' and 'Blood on the Tracks' followed, with Dylan pushing new boundaries in lyrical songwriting, folding new genres into his music a step ahead of everybody else, and generally refusing to accept the notion that a lead singer needs a beautiful voice.

After a spotty run through the late '70s and '80s, Dylan enjoyed a commercial and creative renaissance in the 90s that continues to this day. Check out our feature on the Top 10 Bob Dylan Songs of the Last Twenty Years, if you'd like some proof. He continues to release critically-acclaimed albums, most recently 2009's 'Together Through Time,' and performs concerts all over the world as part of his so-called Never Ending tour.

Watch Bob Dylan's Video for 'Subterranean Homesick Blues'