Didn't grow up listening to his stuff. Never got into it even later. I don't think it should be considered literature, for the same reason poetry is not up for Grammy awards, or books are not nominated for Oscars. It's all different mediums and should not be muddled.
John, in my opinion, that's a bit harsh and not really correct. Literature (in the general sense): written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.
Regardless of whether you're a fan or you were moved by his lyrics or music, very many people were, over a very long period of time. Phrases and lyrics became iconic and quoted and referred to in our society and others. The impact is not really deniable. I'm not personally a fan of listening to Bob Dylan sing or interpret his own work. His voice grates and I have trouble with it. But I've heard too many people INTERPRET his work that have moved me in ways that are really remarkable. So, although I'm not a fan of him singing, I cannot dismiss his impact on me, my friends, society, and the world at large. So I will rejoice in this departure from typical masturbation of literary figures, and embrace the awarding of someone who has really touched the world (the WHOLE world) in such an amazing and lasting way. Just my opinion, but his impact is undeniable!! Take this for what it's worth.
One of my favorites:
Dark Eyes
Bob Dylan
Oh, the gentlemen are talking and the midnight moon is on the riverside
They're drinking up and talking and it is time for me to slide
I live in another world where life and death are memorized
Where the earth is strung with lover's pearls and all I see are dark eyes.
A cock is crowing far away and another soldier's deep in prayer
Some mother's child has gone astray, she can't find him anywhere
But I can hear another drum beating for the dead that rise
Whom nature's beast fear as they come and all I see are dark eyes.
They tell me to be discreet for all intended purposes
They tell me revenge is sweet, and from where they stand I'm sure it is
But I feel nothing for their game, where beauty goes unrecognized
All I feel is heat and flame, and all I see are dark eyes.
Oh, the French girl, she's in paradise and a drunken man is at the wheel
Hunger pays a heavy price to the falling god of speed and steel
Oh, time is short and the days are sweet and passion rules the arrow that flies
A million faces at my feet but all I see are dark eyes.
Just one minor example, John. Take it in.......