Bob Dylan wins Nobel Prize in literature

Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan became the first musician to win the Nobel Prize in literature today. The Nobel committee recognized Dylan, 75, for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” Dylan’s songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” became anthems for the U.S. anti-war and civil rights movements in the 1960s. His lyrics and dressed-down musical style influenced generations of performers, from the Beatles to Bono. The last American to win the Nobel literature prize was Toni Morrison in 1993.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.