Bob Dylan Wins 2025 Grammy Awards for Best Rock and Blues Songs
Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan made a triumphant return to the Grammy spotlight at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The music icon clinched two prestigious awards: Best Rock Song for his introspective and poetic track “Echoes of the Road” and Best Contemporary Blues Song for “Midnight Train Blues,” both from his critically acclaimed 2024 album, Wanderers Lament.
Dylans victories mark a significant moment in his storied career, reaffirming his enduring influence on rock and blues music. Wanderers Lament, released in September 2023, was praised for its raw lyricism and haunting melodies, blending Dylans signature folk-rock roots with a modern blues edge. The album, eligible for the 2025 Grammys (for works released between September 16, 2023, and August 30, 2024), was lauded as a return to form for the 83-year-old artist.
“Echoes of the Road” captivated voters with its vivid storytelling and intricate guitar work, edging out strong contenders like The Black Keys “Beautiful People (Stay High)” and St. Vincents latest single. The song reflects on Dylans lifelong journey through music and the American landscape, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners.
“Midnight Train Blues”, meanwhile, showcased Dylans deep connection to the blues, with its gritty vocals and soulful harmonica riffs. The track outshone nominees like Joe Bonamassas Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 in the Best Contemporary Blues Song category, earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.
Accepting his awards via a pre-recorded video, Dylan, ever the enigmatic figure, kept his remarks brief: “Thanks to the Academy, my band, and the folks still listening. Keep the music alive.” His absence from the ceremony echoed his elusive persona, though sources note he was invited to perform and present at the 2025 Oscars, which he also declined.
The wins bring Dylans Grammy total to 12, adding to his storied legacy that includes a 1998 Album of the Year win for Time Out of Mind and a 2000 Oscar for “Things Have Changed.” Music critics and fans alike celebrated the victories, with many pointing to Dylans ability to remain relevant across decades. “Its a very strange truth that Bob Dylan has only won 10 Grammys before tonight,” wrote Medium contributor CommodoreJones64, reflecting on Dylans underrecognized Grammy history. “But Wanderers Lament is a legitimately staggering work of genius.”
The 2025 Grammys also saw wins for The Beatles “Now and Then” (Best Rock Performance) and The Rolling Stones Hackney Diamonds (Best Rock Album), highlighting a night where rocks veterans shined. However, Dylans dual wins underscored his unique ability to bridge genres and generations, cementing his place as one of musics greatest living legends.