Link to Song: Blowin’ in the Wind
What you should know about this song: One of Bob Dylan’s most famous songs of all time, “Blowin’ in the Wind” was the second self-composed song featured on Dylan’s first album (The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963) and has since been seen as an anthem of the civil rights movement in America. Dylan claimed to knock out the writing of this song in a mere 10 minutes.
Dylan debuted the song in in 1962 at Gerde’s Folk City in New York’s Greenwich Village, but according to Rolling Stone Magazine the song was actually made famous by Peter, Paul and Mary’s cover of it. In fact, both Peter, Paul and Mary and Stevie Wonder scored Top 10 hits with cover versions of this song. Rolling Stone ranked “Blown’ in the Wind” as the 20th greatest Dylan song, but I have to respectively disagree – it should be in the top 10 at least!
“The song that first branded Dylan a prophet asks nine questions and answers none of them.” – Rolling Stone Magazine, Issue 1131 May 2011
“‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ became the best-known anthem of social conscience throughout the world.” – Joan Baez*
“He was the real thing. I already knew about his talent, but hew as obviously adding to his repertoire. These new songs were his own music.” – Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) on seeing Dylan in 1962
