Bob Dylan Honored in Sweden
The Royal Swedish Academy of Music recently announced that Bob Dylan and Isaac Stern will share this year's Polar Music Prize, which includes an
award of 2 million kronor (approximately $238,000).
The prize, endowed by the late Stikkan Anderson, whose record company issued the songs of the Swedish group ABBA, is annually given to one
popular and one classical musician. The awards will be presented by the The King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, on May 15 in Stockholm.
The Polar prize was established in 1989 to recognize artists, groups or institutions that have made an important contribution to music. In announcing
the awards, the Polar committee cited Bob Dylanïs influence, as a singer-songwriter, on the development of 20th century popular music, saying that
"His achievements encompass almost four decades of constantly changing modes of creativity, always innovative, but always based on American
musical traditions and roots... Bob Dylan's ability to combine poetry, harmony and melody in a meaningful, often provocative context, has captivated
millions in all age groups, and in most cultures and societies. Through his modest, persuasive
musical approach, he has demonstrated an impressive ability to question the most determined political forces, to fight all forms of prejudice, and to
offer unflinching support for the less fortunate. Even those who might not have shared his views would find it impossible to argue against Bob
Dylan's musical and poetic brilliance."
The Swedish citation for Stern praised the violinist's guidance of young people.
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