Bob Dylan won a Nobel prize for literature

[Toymaker Len]

Dylan was the profound poet of the age. It is a joy to finally see him recognised by the establishment.

[BobL]

Apart from Winston Churchill the Nobel prize is not awarded for vocal style.

One measure of Dylan's "reach" is the number of times (1379) his songs have been covered by others.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...ob_Dylan_songs

All "Along the watchtower" has been recorded by 31 artists - jimmy Hendrix version is probably my favourite.
Blowing in the Wind by 64 artists
Its all over now Baby Blue 28 times
Etc

The Beatles have had 2048 songs covered by other artists - don't forget there were 4 of them.
And
Leonard Cohen songs have been covered 3119 times.
On that basis I can see why he is a bit miffed.

[ian]

I never could read to whole of Voss!

For me it was Tree of Man

[Yanis]

Barack Obama - The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 to President Barack Obama - Press Release
Bob Dylan - The Nobel Prize in Literature 2016 - Prize Announcement

I think one really needs to be an expert in the field to understand the thinking behind the particular award.

If you look back at the way BA changed the way diplomacy was approached he brought a non-confrontational approach to diplomacy that was missing for many years and was a breath of fresh air.

Although it is true that there were many great artists in the 60s and some of them worth celebrating I can see why Dylan was chosen. He really defined a generation.

I can see why both were awarded but in the end I am a grateful spectator.

John

[doug3030]

Although it is true that there were many great artists in the 60s and some of them worth celebrating I can see why Dylan was chosen. He really defined a generation.

The Nobel Prize for Literature is not restricted to "great artists in the 60s".

[ian]

Barack Obama - The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 to President Barack Obama - Press Release
Bob Dylan - The Nobel Prize in Literature 2016 - Prize Announcement

I think one really needs to be an expert in the field to understand the thinking behind the particular award.

If you look back at the way BA changed the way diplomacy was approached he brought a non-confrontational approach to diplomacy that was missing for many years and was a breath of fresh air.

BA might have changed the US's approach to diplomacy, but in 2009, the year he was awarded the prize, nominations for the prize CLOSED a mere 12 days after he was inaugurated. That's less than a blink of an eye and right at the beginning of a president's first 100 days.

[kiwigeo]

True, but one needs a significant body of work to qualify as a laureate. Who else of that era would you nominate ahead of (or alongside) Dylan?

Regards from Perth

Derek

Joni Mitchell...she did pen the theme song to Woodstock.