This Famous Author Once Called Bob Dylan The “Worst Poet Alive”—You Won’t Believe Who!

What was he thinking!?

A few weeks ago, it was announced that singer-songwriter Bob Dylan would be awarded The Nobel Prize for Literature. Whether or not you’re a fan of Dylan’s music and live performances, you have to admit that his songwriting ability is second to none. His lyrics are the main attraction of his music, and many feel that he is more than deserving of his recent achievement.

However, not everyone considered Dylan a great writer. Kurt Vonnegut, author of Slaughterhouse Five, once ripped into Dylan’s writing ability. He was quoted once saying:

“He can maybe get one good line in a song, and the rest is just gibberish….Literature hasn’t been that important in the history of this country . . . I’m recognized perhaps as much as somebody in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.”– Vonnegut once said.

Vonnegut also went on to criticize the publisher of Hustler magazine, Larry Flynt, saying that his writing is the “scum of the Earth,” and “puts the First Amendment in danger.” He actually went as far as to suggest that he would pay for Flynt to be shot. Ironically, Flynt was shot in 1978, however he did survive his injuries.

It’s pretty crazy now that Dylan has been honored with a Nobel Prize. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but his award should solidify him amongst the elite group of song writers in history.

Vonnegut passed away in 2007.