Bob Dylan Recipient of the 2016 Noble Prize in Literature

Bob Dylan, the 75-year-old music legend is also known as the “voice of the generation” for his inspiring songs back in 1960’s onwards. Recently, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature, the only singer-songwriter to win the prestigious award.

The musician attained success “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. He now finds himself in line with Nobel laureate’s icons such as Winston Churchill, Thomas Mann and Rudyard Kipling.

The remarkable awarding was held at Stockholm’s stately Royal Academy Hall and was accompanied by gasps and some laughter.

Dylan wrote iconic songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind”, “The Times They Are a-Changin'”, “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Like a Rolling Stone”. Their lyrics inspired many people all over the globe with some spirit of rebellion, dissent, and independence.

For the past decades, Dylan is still writing poetic songs and often performing on tours. He sometimes sang with a rasping voice that has been ridiculed by detractors.

One of his songs considered as the most expressive folk songs of all time was “Blowin’ in the Wind” written in 1962. The song “The Times They Are A-Changin” has inspired so many and also used as an anthem of the civil rights movement and Vietnam War protests.

The Swedish Academy has awarded Dylan with 8 million Swedish crown ($930,000) prize and said “Dylan has the status of an icon. His influence on contemporary music is profound.”

It was also seconded by Swedish academy member, Pet Wastberg “He is probably the greatest living poet”.

Not everyone believes that Dylan neither deserved to be called a poet nor received the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature. According to Novelist Norman Mailer “If Dylan’s a poet, I’m a basketball player.”

Unanimous decision by awards panel

Meanwhile, Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Nobel Academy, told a news conference there was “great unity” in the panel’s decision to give Dylan the prize.

Dylan’s life, music and lyrics have always been mysterious; He had a motorcycle accident back in 1966 and secluded himself to others. This led to the conclusion that he was under pressure by his new role of being a celebrity.

He was born a Jew and converted to Christianity in 1970’s and later denied a belief in organized religion. At some point in his life, Dylan took up boxing.

Elliott Mintz, Dylan’s spokesman, refused to give any statement about the announcement. Dylan was due to give a concert in Las Vegas on Thursday evening.

Literature was the last of this year’s Nobel prizes to be awarded. The prize is named after dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel and has been awarded since 1901. The receipients were awarded for achievements in science, literature and peace.

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