ABSTRACT

Bob Dylan has always been something of a mystery. He has worn a variety of masks that have delighted, puzzled, amused and angered his many audiences. Andrea Cossu offers a strikingly fresh explanation of Dylan and the transformations he has made throughout his career. Cossu's descriptions of key Dylan performances explain how he forged authenticity through performance, and how the various attempts to make 'Bob Dylan' have often involved the interaction between the artist, his public image and his many audiences. It Ain't Me Babe offers a striking vision of how Dylan built his image and learned to live with its burden, painting a unique and coherent new portrait of the artist.

chapter

Introduction

chapter One|31 pages

I Ain't No Prophet

Becoming Bob Dylan in the Folk Revival

chapter Two|37 pages

There's No Success Like Failure

Performance and Audience Mobilization in the Electric Turn

chapter |25 pages

Never Let Me Go

Playfulness and Seriousness in the Rolling Thunder Revue

chapter Four|33 pages

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Performing the Conversion during the Gospel Tour

chapter Five|35 pages

Back Where I Come From

Bob Dylan's Memory Projects and the Never Ending Tour

chapter |8 pages

Conclusions