In a move that has musicians and music lovers thrilled — but some writers and poets bristling — the Nobel Committee dramatically redefined boundaries between “high art” and commercial creative forms when they awarded Bob Dylan the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday. The Prize places Dylan and his work firmly in the company of previous winners such as T.S. Eliot and Samuel Beckett. Dylan is the first musician to win the award, earning praise from prominent writers such as Stephen King and Salman Rushdie. He is the 108th winner of the prestigious award and the first American to receive the prize since 1993. Although the complete list of nominees will be kept secret for 50 years, at one point odds on Dylan winning were placed at 50 to 1 by one bookmaker.
Dylan is known for the poetic nature of his lyrics, which are studied and interpreted at the university level around the world as poetry. He frequently uses literary allusions and references classic poets in his lyrics. In addition, he has published poetry and prose, including a memoir. A collection of his lyrics from 1961 to 2012 will be released on November 1st. The Prize is awarded based on a lifetime of work, not a single piece of art.
This is not the first time the Swedish Academy Nobel Committee has looked beyond obscure classic and modern literature for a Prize winner; the precedent was set when Winston Churchill won the award in 1953 for his political speeches.
Dylan’s Nobel Prize includes a cash award of 8 million Swedish kronor (over $900,000). Dylan has received many awards and honors throughout his career, including 10 Grammys, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe award, and even a special Pulitzer Prize. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Congratulations to Mr. Dylan for being recognized with this amazing honor!