From pen to guitar: Authors with a deep connection to music

The first non-European to ever win the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature, Rabindranath Tagore was well versed in different genres of literature. From poems, to short stories, novels to songs to paintings, Tagore is known for reshaping the Bengali literature and music scene with Contextual Modernism. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has composed more than 2000 songs, popularly known as the Rabindra Sangit which is said to be influenced by the thumri style of the Hindustani classical music. The 'Bard of Bengal' has also penned the national anthem of India and Bangladesh while his works have inspired Sri Lanka's national anthem too!

International bestselling author Haruki Murakami has a deep interest in classical music and jazz. So much so that he used to run a jazz bar and coffeehouse named Peter Cat for seven years in Tokyo, Japan, before turning a writer! According to Wikipedia, 'Murakami has said that music, like writing, is a mental journey. At one time he aspired to be a musician, but because he could not play instruments well he decided to become a writer instead.' Nevertheless, his taste in music reflects in his books-- for instance 'Norwegian Wood' is named after The Beatles' song, the book 'South of the Border, West of the Sun' is named after the song titled 'South of the Border' among others. Apart from novels, short stories and non-fiction, Murakami has also written a book titled 'Absolutely on Music' along with Seiji Ozawa wherein the duo discuss music and creativity and a book on essays on the music titled 'Portrait in Jazz'.

(Photo: Haruki Murakami/ Facebook)

Singer-songwriter and Nobel Literature laureate Bob Dylan, 79, is considered a living legend as he has inspired generations of people through his lyrics and music that range from protest songs to classic ballads. Though Dylan is predominantly a singer-songwriter, he has won the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 for creating "new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition". Apart from writing lyrics, Dylan has also written books which include 'Tarantula' and his memoir 'Chronicles'.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Born on March 25, 1947, Sir Elton Hercules John is a renowned English singer, song-writer, composer, pianist and writer. John has won five Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, Academy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, among other noteworthy prizes, and his music has been loved by his fans worldover. Interestingly, the accomplished musician has also contributed to the world of literature through his memoir and book, including 'Me: Elton John Official Autobiography' which was released in 2019 and was an instant bestseller.

(Photo: Elton John/ Facebook)

Artist, performer, entrepreneur and designer Rihanna turned an author in 2019 with the release of her autobiography 'Rihanna'. In this book the nine-time Grammy Award winner gives a glimpse of her personal life to the readers-- from her childhood in Barbados to her world tours as an artist, from her iconic fashion moments to her quality time spent with family and friends, she shares it all in this book.

(Photo: Rihanna/ Facebook)

Classical Indian singer Shubha Mudgal turned into an author in 2019 with the release of her first book 'Looking for Miss Sargam'. The book is a collection of short stories, which are set in the backdrop of music or the music industry.

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)