Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize For Contributions To 'Great American Song Tradition'

Surprising just about everyone, the Nobel committee today awarded the Nobel Prize in literature to Bob Dylan, for "having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition."

The stunning announcement for the first time bestowed the prestigious award to someone primarily seen as a musician.

Here & Now's Robin Young talks with NPR arts correspondent Lynn Neary about the prize, and Dylan's long career and body of work.

With reporting from The Associated Press

Lynn Neary, NPR arts correspondent. She tweets @LynnPNeary.