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Artist News Media
Radio 4 announces programmes to mark Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 10 May 2021
BBC Radio 4 has announced a load of programming to mark the 80th birthday of Bob Dylan, including documentaries and a new radio play.
“Earlier this year we brought listeners some brilliant programming on the life and legacy of David Bowie – an artist close to so many of our audience’s hearts”, says Radio 4 Controller Mohit Bakaya. “I’m delighted to announce that the station is now looking at another musical genius who has loomed large in our culture for many decades: Bob Dylan”.
“The impact and influence of Dylan and his music is unique, and, likewise, we hope to mark the great man’s 80th birthday in a way that only Radio 4 can”, he adds, “through a beguiling mix of drama, close reading essays and music documentaries”.
Kicking things off on Monday next week will be ‘It Ain’t Me You’re Looking For: Bob Dylan At 80’, a five-part series presented by Professor Sean Latham, Director of the Institute For Bob Dylan Studies at the University of Tulsa (no, really!).
Then on 22 May, there’ll be ‘Dinner With Dylan’, a new radio play based on the true story of some people who like Bob Dylan having dinner together (no, really!).
Also on 22 May, ‘Bob Dylan: Verbatim’ will explore the musician in his own words, with rare interviews and studio outtakes. And finally, over on Radio 4 Extra on 24 May, ‘What’s So Great About… Bob Dylan?’ will see Lenny Henry (not a fan) asking that question of people who actually think that Dylan is good. Yes, really!
Dylan’s actual birthday is 24 May, if you want to get a cake.
