LISTEN: Bob Dylan’s Nobel Lecture
Bob Dylan has fulfilled his Nobel Prize commitments, delivering a recording of his required lecture to the Swedish Academy, a 27-minute talk that’s been posted online.
Dylan recorded the Lecture In Literature, accompanied by subtle musical backing, on June 4 in Los Angeles, talking about his background in music, talking about how he was transformed by Buddy Holly, his love for books such as Moby Dick, All Quiet On The Western Front, The Odyssey and A Tale Of Two Cities, and about the perils of war.
A Swedish Academy spokeswoman called Dylan’s speech “eloquent” and “extraordinary.”
Dylan, the first songwriter to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, made waves by not showing up to receive his Nobel prize with the other laureates during December, instead waiting to accept his diploma and medal when he performed during April in Stockholm.
The speech allows Dylan to receive the $922,000 honorees receive from the Swedish Academy.
Dylan begins a North American tour on June 13 in Port Chester, N.Y.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
