Dylan Love, Hollywood Style

Dylan fans are everywhere, ubiquitous as the marketing world's major brands. And in the same manner that you see Apple get its share of love in Hollywood films, so too there seems a remarkable number of films and TV shows where a segment of the soundtrack is devoted to showing a little Dylan-love.

A few years back I shared website that listed all of the films a Dylan song was used in up to that point in time. Upon reflection I believe that page, even though lengthy, was not comprehensive.

To get the best snapshot of how many films Dylan songs have appeared in I recommend going straight to the source: the internet movie database (imdb.com). imdb is a site that covers all things Hollywood, from industry news to actor and actress pages that outline their full careers, including projects currently being worked on.

If you want to really get into it, there is a imdb Pro option which includes still more information including contact info for every person connected with Hollywood. If you're a writer seeking a quote, you can get ahold of Tom Hanks' agent, for example.

Receiving the Medal

But it's the memorable use of Dylan's songs and music that's so striking here. Since 2000 a Dylan tune has been incorporated a Hollywood production nearly every month, and every other week at times. But it's been going on since the 60s and the 70s. Even the 80s featured some strong Dylan accompaniments but things picked up even more in the 90s. I've noted before how It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) pretty much pulverized me on the soundtrack of Easy Rider (1969).

Winning the Oscar for his performance of Things Have Changed (The Wonder Boys, 2001) only certified what his fans have known all along... he's one of a kind. How he does it is anyone's guess. Even as a little more than a kid he'd established himself as the king of cool. To continue wearing such a mantle as he approaches his 75th birthday is nothing short of astonishing. (Sorry, am gushing like a fan again.)

Here's that list of Dylan songs that have been incorporated into Hollywood tracks. His songs have served as seasoning for some truly rewarding films.

You can follow this link for a list of Dylan's other nominations and awards as a performer and songwriter.

Meantime, life goes on all around you. What's the soundtrack you're hearing now? Here's one of my favorites...