Minstrel Boy explores Bob Dylan’s artistry between 1967 and 1990 in Chris Gregory’s latest book.
Chris Gregory brings forward the next chapter of his Picasso of Song series with Minstrel Boy, a detailed examination of Bob Dylan’s creative output between 1967 and 1990. Slated for release in October 2025, this volume continues the work he began with Determined to Stand, analyzing Dylan’s evolution with both academic depth and cultural awareness.
The period covered in Minstrel Boy represents a turning point in Dylan’s career—a time of retraction from the public eye, followed by periods of renewal and bold experimentation. Leonard Cohen’s iconic description of Dylan as the ‘Picasso of Song’ provides the thematic anchor for this series, emphasizing the artist’s shifting creative identity.
“This book offers the depth of academic study but is written to be accessible and enjoyable to fans and general readers alike,” notes Gregory.
Gregory offers sharp commentary on Dylan’s musical influences, highlighting the relevance of folk, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. The book seamlessly interlaces performance narratives with textual analysis, bringing readers into the dual worlds of Dylan’s songwriting and stage presence.
Drawing on references from literary figures like William Blake to American gospel traditions, Gregory presents a nuanced and multilayered view of Dylan’s body of work. With his signature style, which includes ironic humor and interpretive flexibility, Gregory invites readers into a rewarding engagement with one of music’s most complex figures.
Minstrel Boy reflects a deep commitment to documenting Dylan’s evolving artistry with care and precision.
