On July 20, 1965, Bob Dylan released “Like a Rolling Stone,” and music changed forever. There has never been, and will never be, another song quite like it. At over six minutes long, it broke all the rules. While radio hits were usually short and catchy, Dylan didn’t care about fitting in. He still doesn’t, and that’s part of why we love him.
With his raw voice, Al Kooper’s swirling organ, and lyrics full of rebellion, Dylan delivered a track that was unlike anything else. The line “How does it feel?” wasn’t just a question; it was a challenge to everyone who heard it—listeners, artists, and DJs alike.
When Columbia Records released the song, many thought it was too long for radio play. But DJs took a chance and started spinning it anyway. The phones lit up, and the song quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #2 in August 1965, just behind The Beatles’ “Help!” Its impact was huge. “Like a Rolling Stone” changed what a rock song could be, blending folk, rock, and surreal storytelling into something unforgettable. It inspired countless artists, including The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, who said it felt like “somebody kicked open the door to your mind.”
For musicians, it pushed boundaries. For fans, it gave a voice to the disillusioned. For DJs, it was a reminder of when music truly mattered. Decades later, Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” still resonates. That fierce, questioning howl remains just as bold and true as it did back in 1965. Keep it going, Bob. Your music is still so relevant today.
