Bob Dylan Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) May 30, 2012

RoadFish.com men?s lifestyle and finance magazine applauded the legendary Bob Dylan and hailed him a hero after the 71-year-old singer-songwriter was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom yesterday. Among the other recipients of the prestigious award were Toni Morrison, John Glenn, Dolores Huerta, and Pat Summitt.

Ian Duncan of the Los Angeles Times reported that President Obama, who hand-picked the thirteen recipients of this year?s award, stated that many of the recipients had a personal impact on him and shaped his life, noting that 1962 was a big year for change. He selected three individuals who left a considerable stamp on that year as recipients of this year?s Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Those three were Bob Dylan, who released his first album that year; former astronaut John Glenn, whose orbit around the Earth that year marked him as the first American to achieve such an accomplishment; and Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962.

According to the LA Times article, Bob Dylan was outfitted in dark sunglasses yesterday as he accepted the esteemed award from President Obama. The President is quoted as saying of Dylan, ?I have to say that I am a really big fan. I remember, you know, in college listening to Bob Dylan and my world opening up because he captured something about this country that was so vital.?

RoadFish.com could not have been happier for Bob Dylan?s recognition. RoadFish.com?s Senior staff writer is quoted as saying, ?Bob Dylan is truly an iconic individual. I grew up with his music, and I remember my father explaining his lyrics to me when I was little. Even back then I knew how influential his work was. He is a truly talented and gifted singer-songwriter, who is completely deserving of the honor that was bestowed upon him yesterday. I truly have never found an artist who comes close to having the same impact on the country as Bob Dylan. John Lennon and even Cat Stevens for me are names that come to mind, but I still believe that Bob Dylan?s work can?t be touched.?

A press release from the White House states that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States. It honors those individuals who have made an "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The release goes on to describe Bob Dylan as one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century who is known for poetic and rich lyrics, and music that greatly influenced the civil rights movement 50 years ago.

RoadFish.com supports the President?s picks for recipients of this year?s Presidential Medal of Freedom, and was felt that it was very special for Bob Dylan to be awarded the medal by the nation?s first black President. RoadFish.com?s Senior staff writer is quoted as saying, ?It only seems fitting that Bob Dylan should accept the award from America?s first black President. Dylan?s music, especially back in the ?60?s, was so much about equality and peace, and he was so supportive of the civil rights movement. I am just really, really happy that he?s been honored by the greatest civilian award that an individual can receive because he is so worthy of the distinction, and his work is so commendable.?

Bob Dylan was originally born ?Robert Allen Zimmerman? and began playing in bands during his high-school years. He legally changed his name to Bob Dylan in 1962, and during this same year released his first album. Much of his early music, especially songs like ?Blowin? in the Wind? and ?The Times They Are A-Changin,?? were supportive of the US civil rights movements and carried anti-war sentiments. His music and lyrics are considered to have influenced the civil rights movement during the 1960?s. Bob Dylan has since gone on to win 11 Grammys as well as a lifetime achievement award, and the 2009 National Medal of Arts. To date, Dylan has written over 600 songs, and there are 3,000 different renditions and covers of his music by other artists and he still produces music and performs to this day.

Yesterday?s ceremony during which he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom marked Dylan?s third visit to the White House. In 1997, Bob Dylan visited the White House to be named a Kennedy Center Honoree by President Bill Clinton, and in 2010 Dylan performed ?The Times They Are A-Changin? for President Obama after being awarded the National Medal of Arts.

About RoadFish.com

RoadFish.com is an online men's lifestyle and finance magazine targeted toward men in their 30's and 40's that have already attained a moderate level of success in life, and are striving toward more. It goes over current events of interest to this group, such things as exciting adventures, consumer interests, and real estate and loan refinancing news, as well as ways to make more and save more money. It is a publication owned by Purpose Inc.