Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Donate
Arts & Entertainment

Video: Talkin' Bob Dylan New York Birthday Blues

By
Ben Yakas

Published May 24, 2011

Modified May 24, 2011

Share

Never miss a story
It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there: the artist formerly known as Robert Zimmerman turns 70 today—though his alter ego Bob Dylan might say he's actually younger than that now. You can find plenty of tributes to the occasion around town, as well as quite a few articles on the web, including several pieces in the most recent Rolling Stone and in the Independent. But there's one point in an excellent Guardian overview which stood out to us in particular: "Dylan has been omnipresent for the past 50 years, yet we know next to nothing about him. Fat books pour forth, especially in this anniversary year, yet he still eludes us, this rolling stone, this balladic thin man." Even today, we can still argue about whether Dylan was being sincere or not when he told a reporter in 1966 that he had been addicted to heroin. Yet, as mercurial as Dylan has always been, there is one thing we do know: for as long as Dylan has been writing songs, he has been writing to, for and about New York City. Click through for a tour of his New York life through video, songs, and story.
Gothamist
By
Ben Yakas

Published May 24, 2011

Modified May 24, 2011

Share

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Tagged

birthday
bob dylan
folk
gallery
Music
rock
video
Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

MORE arts-entertainment

Do the right thing and see these movies in NYC this June

Spike Lee, John Early, the literal underground and the figurative underground are all on screen.

By
Emma Stefansky

Published May 30, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ET

Flaco the Owl documentary to host free premiere in Central Park

"Wild Inside" screens on July 29.

By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Flaco the Owl documentary to host free premiere in Central Park

"Wild Inside" screens on July 29.

By
Hannah Frishberg
Is the Port Authority Bus Terminal actually a hidden gem?
By
James Ramsay
and
David Brand
A local's guide to the World Cup in New York
By
Hannah Frishberg
'Time for that tat': Knicks fans flood NYC tattoo studios ahead of NBA Finals
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

AdvertisingContact UsOur TeamRSS FeedDiversity (DEI)Careers
Gothamist

Gothamist is a website about New York City news, arts, events and food, brought to you by New York Public Radio.

AdvertisingContact UsOur TeamRSS FeedDiversity (DEI)Careers
FacebookTwitterInstagramYoutube
Terms Of UsePrivacy PolicyAccessibility
©2025 New York Public Radio. All rights reserved.