Rock History Highlights Dylan, Yes, Fleetwood Mac

The Animals’ 1964 version of “House of the Rising Sun,” adapted from a traditional folk song previously recorded by Bob Dylan, became the group’s only U.S. and U.K. No. 1 hit and remains a landmark rock recording. Yes’ nearly 19-minute “Close to the Edge” was ranked fourth among the best rock epics exceeding 10 minutes, reflecting the song’s ambitious structure and enduring influence despite its difficulty to perform live. Bob Dylan’s 2001 album “Love and Theft” earned lasting critical acclaim, including a Grammy win and high rankings from Rolling Stone, while its release on Sept. 11, 2001 gave it an unintended historical resonance. A retrospective identifies 18 musicians who died in 2025 and had commercially released Dylan covers, including Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, whose trio helped popularize “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Lindsey Buckingham’s approach to songwriting was shaped by close study of The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson, whose ambitious 1971 work he regarded as a pop masterpiece.