Meet Singer Songwriter Jakob Dylan

Jakob Dylan is the talented lead singer-songwriter for the rock band The Wallflowers. He also happens to be the son of singer-songwriter legend Bob Dylan. But, there's no question that his musical journey is his own and, as such, signals of important contributions and collaborations for years to come.

Jakob Dylan: Early Influences

According to a 2005 article in the New York Times, Jakob Dylan is a big fan of his father's music just like everyone else. Only the album Blood on the Tracks strikes a personal nerve for its telling lyrics of love lost. Among his musical heroes? Joe Strummer, Tom Waits and, of course, T. Bone Burnett. Others include John Doe. In several interviews, Jakob Dylan also claims that The Clash's London Calling was one of the most influential albums in his life.

Jakob Dylan: The Wallflowers

In the late '80s, The Wallflowers had humble beginnings, playing alongside other rock acts at a delicatessen in the Los Angeles. Eventually, the band signed with Virgin Records and recorded its debut album was entitled, The Wallflowers. Unfortunately, sales lagged and the band was subsequently released from their recording contract. After touring with The Spin Doctors, 10,000 Maniacs, among others, the band secured a deal with Interscope Records and things began to change for the better, recording several hit records and winning two Grammy Awards. Over the years, Jakob Dylan and the Wallflowers toured a bunch and recorded a bunch, but eventually the artist and his band mates took a break to pursue other creative pursuits.

Where are The Wallflowers today? In one interview, Jacob Dylan reports that "We're (The Wallflowers) still together" and we're just waiting for something to come up that's exciting and worthwhile..." Their loyal fans are hoping that moment comes along soon.

Jakob Dylan: Solo Efforts and Surprising Career Choices

In 2006, Jacob Dylan signed with Columbia and recorded several television theme songs including "Here Comes Now" (Six Degrees) and "Stardust Universe" (Jericho). The HBO Series True Blood also featured another Jacob Dylan song, "Ain't No Invisible Man." His solo career has soared over the years as The Wallflowers' frontman continues to shine bright.

Jakob Dylan: Three Legs on Tour for Women and Country

Jakob Dylan collaborated with T. Bone Burnett on Women and Country, featuring eleven original tracks, eight of which included awesome background vocals from Neko Case and Kelly Hogan. Neko Case and Kelly Hogan certainly made their mark on this album, writing substantial counter melodies such that they were invited to tour along with Jacob Dylan, Paul Rigby, Jon Rauhouse, Tom Ray, and Barry Mirochnick under the stage name Three Legs.

Jakob Dylan: Creative Collaborations

Jakob Dylan's creative collaborations have probably been more interesting than anything else he's done over the years. In early 2010, he showcased his new album Women and Country, a cool collaboration with T. Bone Burnett, at the Grammy Museum's The Drop series, an effort that gave him an opportunity to achieve a stripped down, special kind of sound.

Also in 2010, Jakob Dylan wrote three songs for A Little Help, an indie film starring Jenna Fischer (The Office) and Chris O'Donnell (Scent of a Woman). Songs include "Down In A Hole," "You're No Match For What You've Gotten In," and "No Season At All." In early February 2011, Jakob Dylan appeared at The Music of Neil Young at Carnegie Hall in New York City, a tribute concert benefiting arts and music programs for underprivileged youth.

Jakob Dylan: What the Future Holds for This Alternative Rocker

Jakob Dylan brings significant maturity and depth to his songwriting and performances, engaging the right artists at the right time in his career. His creative collaborations combined with a music business savvy promise that his career will continue to grow, evolve and engage the industry and his fan base. More workhorse than showboat, Jakob Dylan has all the right stuff to be a leading recording artist and songwriter for years to come.

Selected Discography

The Wallflowers (1992)
Bringing Down the Horse (1996)*
Breach (2000)**
Red Letter Days (2002)
Rebel, Sweetheart (2005)
*Platinum
**Gold

RESOURCES

Jacob Dylan
Yahoo! Music

The Wallflowers Official Site
www.wallflowers.com

Official My Space Page for Jakob Dylan
www.myspace.com/thewallflowers

Official Website for Jakob Dylan
www.jakobdylan.com

Official My Space Page for Jakob Dylan
www.myspace.com/jakobdylan

A Different Set of Chronicles
By Anthony DeCurtis for New York Times (May 8, 2005)