Swedish Academy Still Knockin’ on Dylan’s Door
Calling Bob Dylan. Helloooo?
By now, everyone probably has heard that the Swedish Academy has awarded the Baby Boomer’s own inimitable poet laureate, Bob Dylan, the Nobel Prize for Literature. A controversial decision on some counts, but exciting news for the rest of us. But, the wayward bard-slash-balladeer hasn’t returned calls from the academy in acknowledgement. According to The Guardian:
The Swedish Academy says it has given up trying to reach Bob Dylan, days after it awarded him the Nobel prize in literature.
“Right now we are doing nothing. I have called and sent emails to his closest collaborator and received very friendly replies. For now, that is certainly enough,” the academy’s permanent secretary, Sara Danius, told state radio SR on Monday
We’re pretty sure Bob knows by now, In fact, we know he knows, because according to an article in a later edition of The Guardian’s US edition online…
The simple words “winner of the Nobel prize in literature”, which appeared on the page for The Lyrics: 1961-2012, have now been removed. Bob Dylan, Nobel laureate, is once again plain Bob Dylan.
From: Bob Dylan removes mention of Nobel prize from website – The Guardian
I guess we shouldn’t be all that surprised. Dylan has always been somewhat elusive and unpredictable. Odds are, he’s pretty stoked about it, but if the rest of the world was stunned by the news, just think how Bob Dylan must be feeling. This isn’t an occasion for just blurting something out off the top of your head. He’s probably holed up in a little studio somewhere penning several verses about this monumentus occasion. And then at some point, maybe we’ll ll get to hear him read it. Or sing it.
Or maybe he’ll just go, “Nahhh” and tear the whole thing up.
From the first song/poem he ever wrote, through all of the verses he’s written since, his books, his lyrics, his conversion from acoustic to electric,his religious conversion, one memory remains very clear to me:
It was 1967… Thanksgiving, I think. I was 15. After dinner, all of the relatives had moved into the living room. My two older cousins, Michael and Aaron – and I, unpacked our guitars and the three of us worked out harmonies to some Crosby, Stills, Nash and early Byrds. We amazed ourselves at how tight our harmonies were. Always thought how cool it would be had we ever formed a band, but I wasn’t even driving yet, and they lived in two different sections of the city miles apart, doing their own thing.
But no one could deny how exhilarating it felt; how amazing it sounded, when we broke into “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Mr. Dylan. I miss those days of big family get togethers. I don’t think there’s anyone left who even shares that memory. Haven’t seen one of those cousins, Michael, for years. No idea where he went. The other, Aaron, passed away from Kidney Disease. But I remember a discussion we had that night about Bob Dylan. I suggested that some day, when we’re much older, we could see him in a little club somewhere and perhaps meet him, long after the world stopped going to his concerts at huge stadiums. Michael and Aaron looked at me like I was crazy. “That won’t ever, happen”. He’ll be selling out arena’s when we’re in our 70’s”, Mike said. “Good call, Cuz”, says I.
Speaking of calls… Hey Bob! Pick up the phone!
Please share your Bob Dylan memories in the Comment Section below.
UPDATE
Well, it turns out that Bob Dylan had been screening his calls the entire time Sara Darius was trying to contact him. Seems that even Mr. Dylan gets a case of the "I'm-Not-Worthy Syndrome" and was simply too speechless to answer the phone. He was actually concerned about not saying something wrong and he felt he didn't have the right words for the occasion. So. he chose to just not answer the phone.
When they finally connected, Bob assures Sara that he was indeed, quite elated and assured her he was planning to accept the award in person and mumble a few words! I'm writing this in the most affectionate way. Once again - Congratulations on this prestigious occasion!
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Wow! I have to say thank you for such a beautifully written piece. I loved how you conveyed your history with Bob music; it actually gave me goosebumps because it felt as if I was there with you and your cousins.
I also appreciated the update because it allowed me to have a greater respect for Mr Dylan. This respect comes from that fact that he was speechless and his speechlessness demonstrates that his writing does not originate from a place of ego, that it, in fact, comes from his heart. And that is why millions of people love his work.
I know, right? Of all the people in this world who to be at a loss for words. Bob Dylan? Who’d have thought the Mighty Quinn would be humbled by a measly little Nobel Prize for Literature? Gotta love it!!
Isn’t it ironic that someone who wins the Noble Prize for LITERATURE felt that he didn’t have the right words?
You can’t make this stuff up.
He absolutely deserves the award. What a talent.
There are not many musicians that can match him for his ability to write lyrics and songs.
My sentiments exactly… I love a good irony. Glad I lived to see this happen!
Awww, he just got shy! That’s adorable.
I remember hearing about this story a few weeks ago. I kinda laughed at the time, but I guess I’m glad they finally got a hold of him in the end.
I was born a little too late to actually see Bob Dylan in his prime, but it was fun to read about your own memories of family brought together in enjoyment of his music.
The article’s really great. A humourous twist on a trending story, a personal experience thrown into the mix, and a whole catalog of related available products at the bottom of the article. The latter of which is something I really wish I knew how to do.
Happy trails, friend.
Hey Andrew,
LOL… I don’t know if I’ve EVER heard Dylan referred to as “adoreable”, but hey, I guess I can see where it can be framed that way. But there’s no question in my mind – he trly deserves the honor. In trying to find my voice fot he SfBB boomers website, I decided to make each post an excuse to reminisce about a personal experience and inject my “Hal humor” into it wherever I can. I hope in time, my visitors will come to appreciate my writing style and look forward to each new post.
Glad you liked it and thanks for stopping by. Hope you come back!
Hal
Awesome news!! I had no idea! And I live in this digital world LOL Guess i got a skid mark on my forehead!
I had a buddy that had Knock knock knockin on heavens door in script on his bike tank in ’73
Ol Bob has been great always!
Um bookmarking this site to help me keep up with the news 😉
Dennis
Nice article. I’m glad to hear Bob Dylan accepted the award, he certainly deserves it!
I saw him one time only, back in 84 when he toured the UK. It was at St. James’s Park in Newcastle and he was supported by Santana. I suppose you have to be pretty massive to have Santana as a support band!
It was absolutely awesome. I’m too young to have got upset about him switching to electric – and I like both his acoustic and electric offerings – but when he did a solo set in the middle of his concert it was simply amazing. When he did “Tangled Up In Blue” the hairs on my neck stood up. Just Dylan, his guitar and mouthie on stage – I can still picture it.
Yes. It still amazes a lot of us. I mean, a Nobel Prize. That’s no small feat for a one time folk singer turned folk hero. Pwople will sing his songs and recite his verses many generations from now.
I never saw him live in concert; however, I did see him once in the 90’s,live on the patio – where I worked as bartender. I walked out there to take a break and there he was, alone, eating a sandwich. I didn’t bother him, so there is no profound exchange of words to report. Dammit! 🙁