Singer/songwriter Bob Dylan just received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Bobby wore shades and never cracked a facial muscle as the Prez heaped all kinds of well-deserved praise upon him (“There is not a bigger giant in the history of American music.”). That’s our poker-faced Bob, the brilliant, eccentric minstrel that I’ll adore forever. From acoustic Bob to electric Bob, he truly was the voice of the 60s, influencing all modern musicians to dig deep inside their psyches to pen poetic lyrics – be they obscure, esoteric, thought-provoking, or just plain beautiful in their simplicity. Watching Bob at age 71 in his moment of glory, I “gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.”
Twelve others great Americans, including Madeleine Albright, John Glenn and Toni Morrison, were also honored with Medals of Freedom today at the White House. Read more.
Here’s President Obama’s introduction to Bob and his music:
Here’s the Prez giving Bob his medal:
© Dana Spiardi, May 29, 2012
Was Bob Stoned ?
Nah, he’s just being Bob.
How nice to see my Rabbi being honored by President Obama.
His stone face appeared to have amused the Prez. Did you notice Zimmie got the biggest ovation when the honorees entered the room? As it should be. Many have orbited the earth (even a dog did that), many have won NCAA tournaments, many have penned Oprah Book club favorites, but only one person up there wrote Subterranean Homesick Blues, quoted by judges and lawyers more than any other song in legal briefs (no kidding, 2007 study).