Dylan Writes Nobel Acceptance Speech

Bob Dylan did not travel to Sweden to accept his Nobel Prize for literature, but the singer did write a personal acceptance speech, which was read at the ceremony. In his remarks, the songwriter accepted the honor graciously and noted some of the literary giants who have previously won the award. The ceremony also included a performance by Patti Smith.More »

By on December 12, 2016

Bob Dylan did not travel to Sweden to accept his Nobel Prize for literature, but the singer did write a personal acceptance speech, which was read at the ceremony. In his remarks, the songwriter accepted the honor graciously and noted some of the literary giants who have previously won the award, such as “Kipling, Shaw, Thomas Mann, Pearl Buck, Albert Camus, Hemingway.” He said of these writers, “These giants of literature whose works are taught in the schoolroom, housed in libraries around the world and spoken of in reverent tones have always made a deep impression.” He also talked about the unusual nature of his receiving the famed literature prize, arguing that Shakespeare was another artist who was “meant to be spoken not read.” Dylan’s address was read by the Azita Raji, the U.S. Ambassador to Sweden, according to Entertainment Weekly. The ceremony also included a performance by Patti Smith, who sang a rendition of Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall.” At one point, Smith forgot the lyrics and had to pause the performance. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m so nervous.” Copyright(c) 2016 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedLess «