Dylan: Iconic Force for Over 50 Years [Rock Artist Birthdays][VIDEO]

Bob Dylan turns 71 today, born May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota.

His influence in music and culture can't, of course, be overstated. Rock, folk, folk rock, blues, blues rock, country, gospel and country rock all define him.

His long list of awards is breathtaking and includes 11 grammys.

He's a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, as well as a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee.

And last month he was chosen to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The recent release of Chimes of Freedom: Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International is a perfect example of the enduring legacy of Dylan.

Helen Garrett, Director of Special Projects for A.I. said, "Chimes of Freedom is an abundance of riches.  It's fair to say that the collection shows how deeply musicians feel about the beauty of Dylan's music--across generations--and how passionate they are about supporting human rights."

How fitting that Dylan was honored by A.I.  After all, his early songs became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements back in the day.

Since 2002, Bob Dylan has been introduced on-stage by his stage manager, Al Santos, with the following:

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the poet laureate of rock 'n' roll. The voice of the promise of the 60s counterculture. The guy who forced folk into bed with rock. Who donned makeup in the 70s and disappeared into a haze of substance abuse. Who emerged to find Jesus. Who was written off as a has-been by the end of the '80s, and who suddenly shifted gears releasing some of the strongest music of his career beginning in the late '90s. Ladies and gentlemen — Columbia recording artist Bob Dylan!"

As if I could add to that.

Except for one thing.

Happy Birthday, Bob!!