Blowin' in the Wind

"Blowin' in the Wind" is a song written by Bob Dylan in April 1962, and released on his 1963 album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.

Related Topics:
Song - Bob Dylan - 1962 - 1963 - The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

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It is a premier example of the protest song, posing as it does philosophical questions about peace, war, and freedom. Its popularity and timelessness can perhaps be attributed to the fact that while the song asks these questions, it does not refer specifically to any particular political event.

Related Topics:
Protest song - Philosophical - Peace - War - Freedom

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It has been covered by hundreds of artists. Just a few of the better-known acts who have done so are folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary (who actually released their version - which lacks the Harmonica solos after each verse - a few months before Dylan); country guitar virtuoso Chet Atkins; folk chanteuse Judy Collins; soul singer Sam Cooke; blues belter Etta James; Marlene Dietrich; Elvis Presley; Stevie Wonder; and was performed by Jenny in the award-winning movie Forrest Gump (sung by Joan Baez).

Related Topics:
Covered - Folk music - Peter, Paul and Mary - Country - Guitar - Chet Atkins - Judy Collins - Soul - Sam Cooke - Blues - Belter - Etta James - Marlene Dietrich - Elvis Presley - Stevie Wonder - Forrest Gump - Joan Baez

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Dylan originally wrote and performed a two-verse version of the song; his first public performance of it, at Gerdes Folk City on April 16, 1962, was recorded and circulates among Dylan collectors. Shortly after this performance, he added the middle verse to the song. Some published versions of the lyrics reverse the order of the second and third verses, apparently because Dylan simply appended the middle verse to his original manuscript, rather than writing out a new copy with the verses in proper order.

Related Topics:
Gerdes Folk City - April 16 - 1962

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In 2004, this song was #14 on Rolling Stones list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Related Topics:
2004 - Rolling Stone - List of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

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