Bob Dylan began his career as a protest singer, but he quickly moved away from this type of song. As early as 1963, Dylan said he wanted to distance himself from politics. In 1971, though, Dylan wrote a song in response to the murder of Black Panther leader George Jackson. Though his fans had been wanting Dylan to return to his roots, some thought his new music lacked sincerity. While there was likely real emotion behind the song, Dylan’s more authentic self was not a protest singer.
Bob Dylan started his career as a protest singer
Dylan’s second album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, primarily contained songs he wrote, many of which were protest songs. Songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Masters of War,” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’” from his early albums cemented this reputation.
