1941, 24 May |

Robert Allan Zimmerman is born in Minnesota to Lithuanian and Russian immigrants

1961 |

Arrives in New York City to sing at Cafê Wha? Meets Woody Guthrie, his lifelong idol Signs his first record contract with Columbia Writes 'Blowin' in the wind', his most famous work to date

1963 |

Releases second album, the 'Freewheelin' Bob Dylan', an instant classic

1964 |

'The times they are a-changin" releases, cementing his reputation as a protest singer

1965 |

Dylan marries Sara Lownds in a ceremony attended by two people

1966 |

Is called 'Judas' for using an electric guitar

1969 |

The youngest of Bob and Sara's four children, Jakob, is born. He's grown up to be a musician in his own right

1971 |

Plays an all-star concert for Bangladesh refugees at Madison Square

1977 |

Sara files for divorce, citing Bob Dylan's "bizarre behaviour"

1978 |

The Jesus phase. Silver cross thrown on stage. Dylan says King of kings and Lord of lords appeared to him

1980 |

Starts another tour, spreads evangelical messages, doesn't sell well

Wins first Grammy. Thanks the Lord for it.

1985 |

Contributes four lines to 'We are the world'

1988 |

The never-ending tour begins in Concord, California

1990 |

Plays his longest ever gig, in Connecticut, 50 songs in over 5 hours

1991 |

Wins lifetime achievement award at the Grammys

1997 |

Plays for the Pope, because "You don't say no to the Vatican"

1998 |

Plays his 1000th show of the never-ending tour in Montreaux

2001 |

Wins an Oscar for 'Things have changed'

2004 |

Shocks fans by appearing in a Victoria's Secret commercial

2011 |

Plays drab gigs in communist Vietnam and China, sparking protests.