Beatty Zimmerman talks Bob Dylan's early years and road to fame

Bobby is very much like I am. You either do or you don't. He would tell you one thing and do another. He was a little contrary. He was always very courteous though.

Beatty Zimmerman

Abram: He started reading them when he was about 13 or 14.
Beatty: Oh, yes, he was in the library a lot too.
Shelton: Was there anybody in the family that was a writer?
Abram: (pausing) No, outside of me there was no one.
Beatty: What did you ever write, a letter?
Abram: I could write if I wanted to write.

Bobby is very much like I am. You either do or you don't. Remember, we bought the piano and gave Bobby lessons. Harriet came – that was our cousin, Harriet Rutstein. He said, “No lessons for me.” She was a music teacher, a University of Minnesota graduate, and she said I will give the boys lessons. He took one lessen and he said, “I’m going to quit.” He said, “I’m going to play the piano the way I want to.” Now when he plays “Mr Jones” by himself, he's pretty good. He has a gorgeous concert grand piano in his living …