Bob Dylan's Parents: The Untold Story Of Abe & Beatty Zimmerman

Ever wondered about the woman behind the legend, the mother who nurtured a voice that would define a generation? Beatty Zimmerman wasn't just Bob Dylan's mother; she was a vibrant, influential figure in her own right, whose life story is as compelling as her son's music.

To understand Bob Dylan, one must also understand Beatty Zimmerman. Born Beatrice Stone, she hailed from a prominent Jewish family in Hibbing, a town nestled in Minnesota's Iron Range. Her parents, Benjamin and Lybba Edelstein, Lithuanian Jews, had immigrated to America with their children in 1902, seeking a new life and opportunities. Two years later, they put down roots in Hibbing, a town that would shape Beattys formative years and eventually, in part, influence the artistic trajectory of her son. In Hibbing, Beatty met and married Abram Zimmerman, known as Abe, a man with a penchant for the classic crooners of his time, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. Their union would bring forth not only Robert Zimmerman, the future Bob Dylan, but also a younger son, David. Abe's entrepreneurial spirit led him to open an appliance store, while Beatty immersed herself in the local community, becoming a beloved figure known for her warmth and engaging personality. Her active participation in the Jewish community, particularly as a leading member of Hadassah, solidified her position as a respected and admired woman in Duluth.