Legendary musician and folk icon Bob Dylan was handed a special citation from the Pulitzer Prize board on Monday, following in the footsteps of fellow musicians Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.

Dylan was honoured with the special citation for his "profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power," the board said, announcing the winners.

The board, which normally concentrates on US print journalism, does not make special citations every year but has in the past recognised Theodor Seuss Geisel, the writer of the "Dr Seuss" books, and author Ray Bradbury.

Jazz musicians Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane were both mentioned posthumously, in 2006 and 2007.