Campus News
By Reshelle Bihasa, Staff Writer
Xavier English professor and Bob Dylan enthusiast Graley Herren recently published a novel titled “Dylan in Cincinnati,” analyzing all of Dylan’s concert performances in Cincinnati from 1965 to 2024.
Last Thursday, Herren held a book discussion and signing at Joseph-Beth Booksellers located in the Rookwood Pavilion. Several Xavier professors and students came to support for the author’s first book signing.
The event began with Herren reading excerpts from his book, pausing at times to explain more about his writing for the first hour. Afterwards, he had an audience Q&A, followed by a book signing where audience members could take home their own copy.
Xavier Professor Graley Herren recently published his book, “Dylan in Cincinnati.”
When asked about his process of writing the novel, he shared how long it took him to write while also teaching at Xavier.
“It took about 5 years; anything I do I have to fit it into what I’m teaching. I mean summer gives you extra time and holiday breaks,” Herren said.
The book also analyzes different live performances and venues throughout the area including Bogart’s, Taft Theatre, Riverbend Music Center and Cincinnati Music Hall.
Additionally, Herren shared how Bob Dylan has even performed once in Xavier’s own Cintas Center on Nov. 4, 2001, taking place after the 9/11 attacks and as his performance implicitly paid tribute.
Herren’s interest in the singer began when he was a teenager after receiving a book called “Lyrics, 1962-1985.” It had a compilation of all Dylan’s songs and literary works of the singer. It was not until Herren was front and center at a Dylan concert at Bogart’s, a local dive bar, that he finally became a die-hard fan.
Subsequently, he decided to research all of Dylan’s performances, especially in Cincinnati, starting off as a project with the plan of turning this study into his own book. In the meantime, he taught as a professor for a variety of English classes.
“When you love it so much, it’s not like work. It’s my gift to myself that I enjoy,” Herren said.
Students and other Bob Dylan fans can still hear more about his book and support in person at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Dylan’s Concert at Xavier. The event is held on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in the first-floor garden area of McDonald Library with concert clips, discussions and more.
