Of the vast amount of music I know and love, Dylan's is, without doubt, my favorite. His lyrics are the most universal and enduring. And characteristic of a great artist, his poetry and music are constantly evolving.
Yet I can understand why many are flummoxed by his Nobel Laureate as this brings music into the literary domain, and adds confusion to future literature laureate selections. Does this inclusion eliminate possible writers? There are other fine contemporary musicians, for example, who have performed and created over time. Bruce Springsteen comes to mind, or The Rolling Stones. Yet even these incredible musicians have been, to some extent, influenced by Dylan. And that, I believe, is part of the reason Dylan was chosen this year over other literary non-musicians.
Dylan is a masterful and natural poet who has influenced numerous artists and been covered by many gifted musicians. His body of work is considerable, laden with literary skill and allusion; formal, informal, even slang language; and widely varying style. He has chronicled, often even foreseen, decades of social, political, and interpersonal transformation, injustice, and tragedy; and he continues to create and perform new as well as classic works. The quality of his considerable body of work is exceptional.
I, as well as countless others with literary expertise, know this body of work deserves the highest literary honor without question or scorn.
Bravo to the literature professor who has been nominating him since the 1990's!
Yet I can understand why many are flummoxed by his Nobel Laureate as this brings music into the literary domain, and adds confusion to future literature laureate selections. Does this inclusion eliminate possible writers? There are other fine contemporary musicians, for example, who have performed and created over time. Bruce Springsteen comes to mind, or The Rolling Stones. Yet even these incredible musicians have been, to some extent, influenced by Dylan. And that, I believe, is part of the reason Dylan was chosen this year over other literary non-musicians.
Dylan is a masterful and natural poet who has influenced numerous artists and been covered by many gifted musicians. His body of work is considerable, laden with literary skill and allusion; formal, informal, even slang language; and widely varying style. He has chronicled, often even foreseen, decades of social, political, and interpersonal transformation, injustice, and tragedy; and he continues to create and perform new as well as classic works. The quality of his considerable body of work is exceptional.
I, as well as countless others with literary expertise, know this body of work deserves the highest literary honor without question or scorn.
Bravo to the literature professor who has been nominating him since the 1990's!
