Richard Abrams teaches Bob Dylan. But not in the department you’d expect – Abrams is an English professor. And Dylan: his poet. His class, one of the many “topics in literature” courses numbered ENG 150, is always popular. We decided to sit down with Abrams and ask about why he loves – and teaches – the classic folk/rock/blues/country artist.
FP: When were you first turned on to Dylan?
Abrams: I was in college at McGill in Montreal; about ’65 I think. I asked a friend of mine, “so what is this with Bob Dylan?” and he said, “he’s a new folk singer who swallows his words.” I thought that was a pretty good description of Dylan, even now.
I grew up with folk singers, some of whom went on to become semi-famous. When I was in high school I just loved radio. It took a while for the penny to drop with Dylan. I liked him but I don’t think I was absolutely sold on him.