Nobel Prize 2016: Bob Dylan wins for Literature

It is a great day for Bob Dylan fans.

The American lyricist, musician and activist has been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Literature "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition". He is the first songwriter to win this prestigious award.
The 75-year-old singer has been enthralling audiences with his poignant and provoking songs over the years.

Some of his all-time popular numbers include 'Tambourine Man', 'The Times They Are a-changin', 'Like a Rolling Stone' and 'Blowin' In The Wind'. He has been regarded as the voice of a generation for his influential songs from the 1960s onwards. His songs, that covered the personal and the political, find their relevance even decades later.

"Dylan has the status of an icon. His influence on contemporary music is profound," the Swedish Academy said on Thursday, when it awarded the 8 million Swedish crown ($930,000) prize.

More than 53 years on, Dylan is still writing songs and is often on tour.

"He is probably the greatest living poet," Swedish Academy member Per Wastberg said.

Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Nobel Academy, told a news conference there was "great unity" in the panel's decision to give Dylan the prize.

With this award to Dylan, the Nobel prizes for the year come to a close.

2016 Literature Laureate Bob Dylan, age 75, born on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota, USA. #NobelPrize

— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 13, 2016

Which is your favourite #BobDylan number?

— ET Panache (@ETPanache) October 13, 2016