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July 3 - White History Month - 29th Most Iconic White AmericanBob Dylan is the greatest songwriter of all time and one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, musically and culturally.Dylan is a master poet, caustic social critic and intrepid, guiding spirit of the counterculture generation; and a seminal influence on many musical genres.Dylan's first album, Bob Dylan, released 1962 consisted of familiar folk, blues and gospel with two original compositions. The album sold only 5,000 copies in its first year, just enough to break even. Within Columbia Records, some referred to Dylan as "Hammond's Folly" and suggested dropping his contract, but Hammond defended him and was supported by songwriter Johnny Cash.By the release of Dylan's second album in 1963, which included the 1960s anthem "Blowin' in the Wind, he had begun to make his name as a singer-songwriter as Dylan became the voice of his generation. His mixture of moral authority and nonconformity was loved, the song lyrics and attitude was incredibly original and wonderful even to the Beatles. A huge list of artists had hits using Dylan's songs starting with The Byrds' cover of his 1965 "Mr Tambourine Man" which launched folk-rock.The rough edge of Dylan's singing unsettled some but was an attraction to others.In 1964/1965, Dylan moved from acoustic folk/blues music to a rock backing electric guitar music.Dylan moved into country music, Christian music, all in his own unique style.'Years ago they said I was a prophet. I used to say, "No I'm not a prophet", they say "Yes you are, you're a prophet." I said, "No it's not me." They used to convince me I was a prophet. Now I come out and say Jesus Christ is the answer. They say, "Bob Dylan's no prophet." The range and influence of his songs may never be repeated. He massive cultural legacy is essentially a second great American songbook.Dylan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 1988, with Bruce Springsteen's introduction declaring, "Bob freed your mind the way Elvis freed your body. He showed us that just because music was innately physical did not mean that it was anti-intellectual".