The Nobel Prize committee has announced that the legendary artist, Bob Dylan, will be the first musician to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. However, they haven’t been able to reach him. For those who know Dylan, this can’t be surprising; for those who don’t, here are some facts that you might find interesting, paired with some of his iconic quotes:
1. In 2004, Dylan appeared in a Victoria’s Secret TV commercial. “Inspiration is hard to come by. You have to take it where you find it.”
2. Even though he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Dylan’s singles have never hit the number one spot on the Billboard chart. “All I can do is be me, whoever that is.”
3. Dylan flunked out of the University of Minnesota. “Colleges are like old-age homes, except for the fact that more people die in colleges.”
4. Dylan has accepted two honorary degrees: one from Princeton in 1970 and one from the University of St. Andrews in 2004. “Having these colossal accolades and titles, they get in the way.”
5. He was a minor when he had to sign with Columbia Records. However, he did not want his parents to give consent, so he told the company that he was an orphan. “I’ll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours.”
6. No lyrics were printed on Dylan’s record sleeves over the past 15 years. “You can’t do something forever.”
7. Dylan’s first wife, Shirley Marlin Noznisky, was a playboy bunny. “I’m more of an adventurous type than a relationship type.”
8. Dylan won the Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for having a ‘profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power’. “I’m speaking for all of us. I’m the spokesman for a generation.”
9. Dylan has published six books of drawings and paintings. In fact, he painted the cover of his 1970 album, Self Portrait. “I’m inconsistent, even to myself.”
10. Dylan became obsessed with James Dean after seeing Rebel Without a Cause. “I think of a hero as someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”
Here is how we imagine he would respond to being awarded the Nobel Prize, using one of his own quotes: “Just because you like my stuff, doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”