Fifty years on, Dylan awarded Medal of Freedom

[FR7 Baptist]

Few recipients of the presidential Medal of Freedom have carried more cultural and artistic weight than Bob Dylan, who received the recognition from President Barack Obama on Tuesday at the White House for contributions to American life and culture.

The gravel-voiced Dylan, who turned 71 last week, has both pleased and baffled fans and critics for five decades. His 40-plus albums have featured folk anthems, country hits, rock classics and even religious tunes now sung in church pews and by gospel choirs.

“There is not a bigger giant in the history of American music,” Obama said during a packed ceremony in the East Room of the White House.

Photographers and reporters jockeyed for a glimpse of the music icon, and even politicians used to the limelight seemed star-struck. The famously retiring Dylan wore dark sunglasses throughout the event and sat bow-tied and stone-faced, not even cracking a smile during lighthearted moments.

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