Letter from the Publisher
Tangled Up in Bob
Bob Dylan once said, “Just because you like my stuff doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”
Enjoying Dylan’s music and understanding its historical significance are two very different things. Though I personally never took to his sound, it is undeniable that his songwriting has had a remarkable influence on the world. He blew out of the North at a young age and became the voice of a generation in turbulent times. “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” became anthems for the rising antiwar and civil-rights movements. He brilliantly tackled significant social issues in a serious yet peaceful way to unify people around music.
The unpredictable Dylan made a career out of not wanting to be known. Unafraid of criticism, he continually changed course to reinvent himself musically. Our feature, anchored by Jeff Gage, examines why he left Minnesota — and why he’ll never truly leave it behind. It also revisits some of his most iconic style moments throughout his fashion evolution. And finally it showcases Hibbing resident Bill Pagel’s unbelievable collection of Dylan memorabilia.
Welcome to the style issue of Artful Living, chock-full of intelligent, original content from a remarkable group of writers and editors. Don’t miss our exclusive interview with supermodel and Minnesota native Cheryl Tiegs. And be sure to check out our fourth annual A-List Awards. This is our definitive guide to the best of the North and will come in handy for the holiday season ahead.
It’s noteworthy that Bob Dylan is from the North, and many of us here will forever admire him for his poetry and his storytelling. Bob, we want you to know that we are proud of you, and yet you owe us nothing.
Cheers,
Frank Roffers
Publisher + Editor-In-Chief
