Bob Dylan

Awarded for

Creating new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition

The story behind the prize

Dylan's songs such as 'Blowin' in the Wind' and 'The Times They Are a-Changin'' became anthems of the 1960s. The committee compared his lyrics to ancient Greek poetry, which was meant to be performed. He did not attend the ceremony; Patti Smith sang one of his songs in his place.

About

American singer-songwriter whose 1960s songs became anthems of the civil rights and anti-war movements.

Exam facts

• First musician to win the Literature prize