Bob Dylan is undoubtedly one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in American history. Over his 60+ year career, Dylan has kept notoriously private about his personal life, letting his music speak for itself.
This article takes a deep dive into the lives of his children, their unique paths, and how Dylan’s influence has shaped them.
Key Takeaways:
- Bob Dylan’s family includes six children from two marriages.
- His first marriage was to Sara Lownds, resulting in four children and one adopted daughter.
- Dylan’s second marriage to Carolyn Dennis brought his youngest daughter, Desiree.
- Each child has carved their own path in creative and professional fields.
- Dylan’s legacy continues through his grandchildren, who also embrace artistic pursuits.
Bob Dylan’s Marriages and Children
Bob Dylan’s family story begins with two marriages that brought six children into his life. These relationships reflect his personal journey and the inspiration behind some of his iconic songs.
First Marriage: Sara Lownds
In 1965, Bob Dylan married Sara Lownds, a former model. Sara had a daughter, Maria Lownds (born October 21, 1961), from her previous marriage to photographer Hans Lownds. Dylan adopted Maria after their marriage.
Together, Bob and Sara had four children:
- Jesse Byron Dylan (born January 6, 1966)
- Anna Lea Dylan (born July 11, 1967)
- Samuel Isaac Abram Dylan (born July 30, 1968)
- Jakob Luke Dylan (born December 9, 1969)
Sara inspired many of Dylan’s love songs, including “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” from Blonde on Blonde and “Sara” from Desire. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1977 as Dylan’s music career boomed. This breakup is reflected in Dylan’s album Blood on the Tracks.
Second Marriage: Carolyn Dennis
In 1986, Dylan married Carolyn Dennis, one of his backup singers. They had one daughter:
- Desiree Gabrielle Dennis-Dylan (born January 31, 1986)
Bob managed to keep the marriage completely out of the spotlight until 2001 when biographer Howard Sounes published Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan, which detailed Dylan’s relationship with Dennis and the birth of their daughter.
True to his private form, Bob and Carolyn Dennis had quietly divorced back in 1992..
Dylan’s Family Legacy
In total, Bob Dylan has six children: Jesse, Anna, Samuel, Jakob, Desiree, and his adopted daughter Maria. Despite his fame, Dylan maintained a private family life, balancing his role as a father with his legendary music career.
Profiles of Bob Dylan’s Children
Each of Bob Dylan’s six children has pursued a unique path, blending creativity, privacy, and individuality in their lives. Let’s check out each of them.
Maria Dylan Himmelman: Bob Dylan’s Eldest Daughter
Maria Dylan Himmelman, born Maria Lownds is Bob Dylan’s eldest daughter. When Bob married his first wife Sara Lownds in 1965, he officially adopted her young daughter Maria from a previous relationship.
Maria has chosen a private life, distancing herself from the public spotlight tied to her father’s fame.
In 1988, she married musician Peter Himmelman, with whom she has four children. According to Himmelman, Maria prefers a quiet life focused on family and creative writing.
A writer and poet, Maria’s work has appeared in literary magazines like Plume, Image Journal, and DIAGRAM.
Jesse Dylan: Creative Talent Behind the Camera
Bob Dylan’s eldest son, Jesse Dylan, chose a path in film rather than music. He studied film at New York University and laid the foundation for a career in directing films and television shows.
Jesse began with music videos for artists like Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, and his brother Jakob Dylan’s band, The Wallflowers. His work on will.i.am’s Yes We Can won an Emmy and became a historic political ad.
Branching out, Jesse directed feature films such as American Wedding (2003) and Kicking and Screaming (2005) and created commercials for brands like Nike and Snickers. As founder and CEO of the production company Wondros, he champions social change, public health, and arts initiatives.
Additionally, he directed a music video titled “If I Could Turn Back Time” for Cher in 2022, which featured his iconic father, Bob Dylan.
Jesse lives with his wife, actress Susan Traylor, and their two children, showcasing how creativity runs deep in the Dylan family.
It seems Bob passed down his creative genes to Jesse, just in a different format. While Jesse’s career hasn’t focused on music, he’s undoubtedly made his famous father proud.
Anna Dylan: A Life Away from the Spotlight
Unlike her brothers, who embraced music and the arts, Anna Lea Dylan has chosen a private life far removed from the public eye. She graduated from Barnard College with a degree in English Literature and maintains a low profile.
Anna’s childhood was shielded from the media, reflecting her parents’ commitment to privacy. This influence shaped her adult life, as she avoided public appearances and remained detached from fame.
While some rumors suggest she works with charitable organizations or had a stint in fashion, details about her career remain unclear. Anna’s choice for a quieter life underscores her value for normalcy and individuality.
Samuel Dylan: Bob Dylan’s Creative and Private Son
Like his sibling Anna, Samuel also values his privacy, steering clear of the spotlight. As a professional photographer, Samuel has embraced the creative arts while avoiding the music industry.
He attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he met his wife, Stacy Dylan. The couple has two sons, Jonah and Lowell.
Stacy founded the nonprofit Connecting to Cure Crohn’s and Colitis after Lowell was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Samuel’s brother, Jakob Dylan has performed at fundraising events for the organization.
Samuel’s life reflects a quiet dedication to family and creativity, much like his iconic father.
Jakob Dylan: Carving His Own Musical Path
Jakob Dylan is Bob Dylan’s youngest son with his first wife, Sara Lownds. Growing up in a musical household, Jakob found inspiration not in his father’s folk roots but in English rock bands like The Clash and The Jam. This influence led him to pick up the guitar and pursue music.
In 1989, Jakob formed his own band called The Wallflowers alongside childhood friends, taking on the roles of lead singer and primary songwriter. The band’s breakthrough came with their 1996 album Bringing Down the Horse, which included the hit single “One Headlight.”
The song won two Grammy Awards, solidifying Jakob’s place in the music industry.
While comparisons to his father were inevitable, Jakob focused on creating a distinct sound, leaning into mainstream rock rather than folk. Alongside his work with The Wallflowers, Jakob has released two solo albums, Seeing Things (2008) and Women and Country (2010).
Of all Bob’s children, Jakob has come the closest to emerging from his father’s shadow. Married since 1992, Jakob and his wife Paige Dylan have four sons.
Desiree Dylan: Bob Dylan’s Youngest Daughter
Born during Dylan’s marriage to Carolyn Dennis, her parents kept their relationship and Desiree’s early years private to provide a normal upbringing.
Desiree also known as Desi, like her father and half-brother Jakob, is drawn to the performing arts. An actress, Desiree has appeared in shows like Modern Family, Good Girls, and NCIS. She also plays drums and has performed at events in Los Angeles.
In 2004, she joined the Young Americans, a nonprofit performing arts group.
Desiree has publicly expressed admiration for her father, calling him her “favorite storyteller” and celebrating him on social media. While critics suggest she should avoid referencing her father’s legacy, Desiree continues to pursue her own career while honoring her family ties.
The Next Generation: Bob Dylan’s Grandchildren
Bob Dylan’s grandchildren reflect his legacy through their creative endeavors.
Pablo Dylan, son of Jesse Dylan, has pursued a career in music, showcasing his songwriting talent and artistic evolution. Levi Dylan, son of Jakob Dylan, is active in modeling and music, embodying the family’s artistic spirit.
Jonah and Lowell Dylan, sons of Sam Dylan, remain private, with little public information available about their careers or personal lives.
Despite varying paths, Dylan’s influence resonates through their values and creative pursuits. Whether in music, modeling, or personal reflection, his grandchildren honor his impact while shaping their unique identities, continuing the family’s artistic heritage.
Influence of Bob Dylan on His Children
Bob Dylan’s profound legacy has shaped his children’s artistic journeys and personal values.
Jakob Dylan, frontman of The Wallflowers, has spoken about the dual inspiration and pressure of growing up with a legendary father. He once said, “He taught us that we could do anything we wanted as long as we were passionate about it.”
Similarly, Jesse Dylan gives credit to his father for encouraging creativity and being present. He told The Times, “My dad’s great, he’s a totally kind, wonderful man. He’s been nothing but supportive to me and my brothers and sisters.”
The siblings share strong familial bonds, supporting each other’s endeavors. Family gatherings often include jam sessions, uniting generations through music. Bob’s active involvement in his children’s lives, such as performing at his grandson’s school, highlights his dedication to family.
These experiences illustrate how Dylan’s influence transcends music, instilling creativity, passion, and close-knit relationships among his children while encouraging them to craft their unique legacies.
Final Words
Bob Dylan’s legacy extends beyond his music, deeply influencing his children and shaping their artistic and personal lives.
His role as a father highlights the intersection of creativity and family, demonstrating how his values and artistry have inspired his children to forge their own paths. From Jakob’s success with The Wallflowers to Jesse’s accomplishments in filmmaking, each child reflects a unique facet of Dylan’s influence.
Together, their stories enrich American music history and ensure that Bob Dylan’s impact continues to resonate through future generations.
About the Author
Team Guitar Top Review Talk about Guitars! We are a group of friends that bonded over their shared love of playing guitar. We all have different backgrounds and experiences with music, but we share a passion for writing about the things that we love.