Bob Dylan performs along with music.
Bob Dylan . His recording career , spanning more than 50 years , has explored the traditions in American song -- from folk , blues , and country to gospel , rock and roll , and rockabilly to English , Scottish , and Irish folk music , embracing even jazz and the Great American Songbook . Dylan performs with guitar , keyboards , and harmonica . His accomplishments as a recording artist and performer have been central to his career , but his songwriting is considered his greatest contribution .