Down the Highway

Bob Dylan stands out with Elvis Presley and The Beatles in a triumvirate of popular-music artists of unparalleled achievements, influence and public fascination. He changed popular music in the 1960s, and helped define that decade with songs "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Like a Rolling Stone". Yet he resisted those who attempted to define him. An artist of indomitable energy and single-mindedness, he went on to create new work - on albums such as "Blood on the Tracks" and "Time Out of Mind" - which rivals his past glory. He has outlasted all his contemporaries, selling more than 56 million records over 40 years. In 2001, the year of his 60th birthday, Bob Dylan is as relevant to a young audience as to those who grew up with his music. This work celebrates the grandeur of Dylan's artistic achievement and reveals the complete life story of the reclusive, mercurial and eccentric man who has been an enigma for so long. This biography is based on a mountain of research conducted over three years, including interviews with more than 250 people in Dylan's life - lovers, friends, relatives, former employees and music stars. Many interviewees are key people who have not spoken before. Author Howard Sounes takes the reader to the heart of Dylan's life and work.