Joel Gilbert, a multifaceted American creative professional, was born on April 15, 1964, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. As a film director, writer, and musician, Gilbert has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry through his production company, Highway 61 Entertainment.
Gilbert's body of work is characterized by his documentary feature films, which delve into the life and career of the legendary musician Bob Dylan. His films, including Bob Dylan World Tour 1966, The Home Movies, and Bob Dylan 1975-1981: Rolling Thunder and The Gospel Years, showcase Gilbert's unique approach to storytelling and his ability to engage with his subjects.
In addition to his work on Bob Dylan, Gilbert has also directed and produced other documentary films, including Farewell Israel: Bush, Iran and the Revolt of Islam, which explores the complex history of Islamic-Jewish relations from the 7th Century to the present day. This film, released in 2007, sparked controversy and debate, demonstrating Gilbert's willingness to tackle challenging and thought-provoking topics.
Gilbert's subsequent films, such as Bob Dylan Never Ending Tour Diaries: Drummer Winston Watson's Incredible Journey (2009) and Atomic Jihad: Ahmadinejad's Coming War for Islamic Revival and Obama's Politics of Defeat (2010),further solidified his reputation as a filmmaker who is not afraid to tackle tough subjects and challenge his audience's perspectives.
In 2011, Gilbert released two new films, Paul McCartney Really Is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison and Bob Dylan Revealed, which coincided with Bob Dylan's 70th birthday in May of that year. These films demonstrate Gilbert's continued commitment to exploring the lives and careers of iconic musicians, as well as his ability to adapt to changing times and interests.
Throughout his career, Gilbert has consistently demonstrated his versatility as a filmmaker, his willingness to take risks, and his dedication to telling important and thought-provoking stories.