Bob Dylan: Slavery's Legacy 'Holds Back' America

Bob Dylan says the stigma of slavery ruined America and he doubts the country can get rid of the shame because it was "founded on the backs of slaves." The veteran musician tells Rolling Stone that in America "people (are) at each other's throats just because they are of a different color," adding that "it will hold any nation back." He also says black Americans know that some whites "didn't want to give up slavery."

"If slavery had been given up in a more peaceful way," says the 71-year-old icon, "America would be far ahead today." When asked if President Obama was helping to shift change, Dylan responded: "I don't have any opinion on that. You have to change your heart if you want to change." The magazine's new issue hits newsstands Friday; an excerpt is here. (More Bob Dylan stories.)