Nov. 20, 2016
Vol. 238
by Jason Grenier, special correspondent
Bob Dylan Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature American musical icon Bob Dylan has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Dylan, who is now seventy-five, hails from Duluth, Minnesota. In 1960, he dropped out of college and changed his name from Robert Zimmerman to Bob Dylan. The next year, he moved to New York to pursue a musical career. Dylan started out as an earnest folk singer and was influenced by early folk music pioneers like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Like his idols, he wrote songs about the poor working class people of America and their struggles, and travelled around singing them to whoever would listen. As his songbook grew and his talent bloomed, Dylan penned songs that became anthems for the so-called “Flower Power” generation, who were young people growing up in the turbulent decade of the 1960s. The popularity of songs like “Blowing in the Wind”, “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Mr. Tambourine Man” led journalists to call Dylan “the voice of a generation”. Dylan hated being labeled this way and was never shy about voicing his displeasure when reporters called him this in interviews and articles. He didn’t want the pressure and responsibility of being anybody’s spokesperson, and his sudden fame made him uncomfortable. He just wanted to make music and to be himself. The decision to award Dylan the Nobel Prize for Literature came as something of a surprise, but is being widely applauded. This marks the first time the honor has been given to a musician, although Dylan’s talents actually extend far beyond music. He is a talented writer who has authored an autobiography and released a collection of his poetry. His written prose flows with a unique, unmistakable style that is as instantly recognizable as his singing voice. He draws and paints, and his artworks are sold to collectors for considerable amounts of money. The Nobel Prize was awarded to recognizes Dylan’s musical output over several decades. His selection by the Nobel Committee is an affirmation of his genius and a recognition of his seemingly boundless creativity at the highest level. Amazingly, even at his advanced age, Dylan is still performing at venues around the world. His touring schedule is a punishing one that would easily wipe out most 1