Rock Hall Celebrates Bob Dylan

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio has planned a number of events in honor of their current featured exhibit, "Bob Dylan's American Journey: 1956-66."

The highlight of the series of lectures is an evening with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Robbie Robertson. Robertson, along with musicians Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson and Richard Manuel, formed Dylan's backup band on his 1965-1966 tour.

They later became known as The Band and made a series of recordings together.

The Band broke up on Thanksgiving, 1976, but not before director Martin Scorcese filmed their last performance which he released as "The Last Waltz."

Elijah Wald, author of "The Mayor of MacDougal Street," kicks off the series of lectures on Aug. 16, with a talk about the vibrant folk/rock scene of Greenwich Village during the 1950s and 60s.

Elliot Landy, the 1969 Woodstock Festival official photographer, will share his photos and anecdotes about rock 'n' roll superstars on Aug. 23. From 1967 to 1969, Landy photographed Dylan and The Band, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Joan Baez, Van Morrison, Richie Havens and many others.

Michael Gray, author of "The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia" and "Song And Dance Man #3: The Art Of Bob Dylan," will discuss Dylan from a literary perspective on Aug. 30.

On Sept. 5, music producer John Simon will discuss the albums he produced with Dylan and The Band.

The Bob Dylan exhibit features more than 150 artifacts, including Dylan's 1949 Martin 00-19 guitar, typed and handwritten lyrics, rare concert posters and handbills, signed albums and dozens of photographs.
Judy Faber