Bob Dylan showed a great interest in music and poetry as a child. He knew first-hand traditional American music of European origin since he lived in a rural environment. In 1959 he began to study at the University, where he came into contact with folk music and protest song. He spent more time playing guitar and harmonica than studying. He moved to New York where he began acting. Thanks to a glowing review in The New York Times, he recorded his first album. Dylan became a generational benchmark. He is currently a "living myth" and has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature.