Bob Dylan, Who Turns 85 Today, Is Ranked the Best Songwriter of All Time

A musical icon was born on this day. That's right; it's Bob Dylan's birthday. The 85-year-old singer-songwriter and musician is a titan of his craft, producing a whopping 40 studio albums over his 69-year career. "Prolific" is an understatement. Dylan has also sold "an estimated 125 million records" worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists in history. Understandably so-he's left an indelible imprint on the folk genre and inspired countless musical artists.

Dylan released his self-titled debut on March 19, 1962. His sophomore studio effort, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, released on May 27, 1963, was his breakthrough. It also marked the beginning of the musician marrying contemporary lyrics with traditional melodies. Dylan cemented himself as the voice of a generation, with singles like "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and "Blowin' in the Wind" becoming staples of the civil rights and antiwar movements.

Surprisingly, Dylan didn't score his first No. 1 hit on any Billboard chart until 2020 with "Murder Most Foul." Released on March 27, 2020, ahead of his 39th studio album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, the nearly 17-minute single is his longest song ever. Lyrically, the tune tackles John F. Kennedy's assassination within the wider scope of America's cultural and political landscape. The track peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Rock Digital Song Sales chart.

Dylan has been on multiple best-of lists, including Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time" list in 2015. The legendary artist took the top spot on said list. The publication praised Dylan for having a significant impact on American popular music. It lauded him as "transformative," noting that "no one set the bar higher."

He knew how to create perennial hits and found inspiration from American history. As Rolling Stone observed, "reading about the Civil War helped him understand the Sixties-which allowed him to rewire folk ballads passed down through generations into songs that both electrified the current moment and became lasting standards."

The Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize-winning visionary was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He even has 10 Grammys and an Academy Award under his belt. As he should; Dylan's influence in music is as far-reaching as it is enduring.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 7:31 AM.