Bob Dylan won Nobel in literature!?

The Swedish Academy has awarded American singer/songwriter, Bob Dylan for his contributions and because  “created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”

Dylan’s win breaks with tradition since it’s the first time the award has been given to someone seen primarily as a musician. Dylan was known first for his groundbreaking songs like “Blowin’ In the Wind” and others that had an impact on the civil rights struggle in the United States. He spearheaded a revival of folk music, then embraced rock ‘n’ roll as his songs became more personal and abstract. Recently Dylan, 75, has had a radio show celebrating American roots music and embraced Frank Sinatra’s style even though he clearly lacks Sinatra’s vocal range. The prize is seen as recognition of the distinctive way he has built on and expanded the range of American music.

WHAT ELSE DOES HE DO?

Dylan has branched out into other forms of art, winning plaudits for an autobiography titled “Chronicles: Volume 1” and directing several films that were not appreciated by critics. He has also exhibited several series of paintings and produced ironworks that have been shown in various galleries. His first book “Tarantula,” an experiment in prose poetry published in the 1960s, has not drawn much attention.