The Last Individualist

“Enigmatic ambiguity was a cool style among boys back in Bob’s era but Bob was the one who took it to the peak of commercial success, thanks to good management, a strong work ethic, and staying off drugs that make you stupid. And taking the name Dylan was a huge help. He did it when he was a complete unknown and it put him on a throne. Give the man credit.” -- Garrison Keillor, Best selling author, humorist and creator of A Praire Home Companion -- Garrison Keillor
Keller’s insightful take on Dylan is primarily the result of two things: years as a fan-cum-music-journalist, and the uncommon benefit of having a quasi-personal relationship with the man. In this first-hand story about the dogged, successful pursuit of an in-person interview, you will be knocked out like I was by how the narrative moves, full of color and fascinating detail --and by the air of mystery in the way Bob works! It is perfectly portrayed. – Peter Jesperson, former manager of The Replacements, Twin/Tone Records cofounder and author of Euphoric Recall: A Half Century as a Music Fan, Producer, DJ, Record Executive, and Tastemaker -- Peter Jesperson
Does the world need another book about Bob Dylan? The author himself raised that question when we first chatted about this project, and I don't think he answered. But having read the result of his labors, I can say, yes, indeed it does, if it's one as personal, idiosyncratic, autobiographical, funny, irreverent, and devoid of slavish "Bobisms" as The Last Individualist, a title that fits the man, myth, and legend at the center of things as well as it does the author.

--Jim DeRogatis, author and co-host, Sound Opinions -- Jim DeRogatis * Sound Opinions radio show *
"This is the Bob Dylan Book every Zimmy (non denominational) disciple has been waiting for. Coincidence that the 2 most prolific, impactful and Capitol M mysterious artists are both from MN? Dig into that. Mar-10 Keller was lucky to have had access to both. A chance to interview either Dylan or Prince should strike fear in the most capable of humans. The stories shared in his book are a testament to the trust both enigmatic geniuses had in him. For that alone, fork over a Nobel Prize to Keller.” --Mary Lucia, legendary Twin Cities deejay and author of the gripping autobiogrpahical memoir, What Doesn't Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To -- Mary Lucia
Keller’s striking portrait of Dylan is original and insightful, a deep dive into the arc of his creative life and a period when the artist reconnected with the Minnesota friends who kept him honest and checked his many personae. What emerges is a humanized Dylan, shining through the layers of celebrity and myth.” – John Thavis, Best-selling New York Times author of The Vatican Diaries, and The Vatican Prophecies: Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions, and Miracles in the Modern Age -- John Thavis
There’s a compelling openness in Bob Dylan’s interviews with Martin Keller, published herein for the first time. Within the wide market of books about Dylan, The Last Individualist is unique in its structure, insight, and effect. Keller achieves something fresh with his rare view of Dylan situated in more comfortable and historical contexts that bring the notoriously elusive musician a little closer to home. --Douglas K. Miller, PhD, author of Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis, and Professor of History, American Indian Studies Coordinator, History Department, Oklahoma State University -- Douglas K. Miller