John McLaughlin Awarded Honorary Degree At Berklee - Noise11.com
John McLaughlin

John McLaughlin

John McLaughlin Awarded Honorary Degree At Berklee

by Roger Wink, VVN Music on August 8, 2017

in News

Berklee President Roger H. Brown presented an honorary doctor of music degree to legendary guitarist, composer, and pioneering bandleader John McLaughlin on July 10, during the commencement ceremony for the graduate programs at Berklee’s campus in Valencia, Spain. McLaughlin also performed as a special guest at the commencement concert at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia.

McLaughlin is a jazz fusion virtuoso whose extensive work as bandleader is complemented by his work with fellow luminaries such as Miles Davis, Chick Corea, and Paco de Lucia. He was at the forefront of the cross-cultural jazz surge of the 1970s, drawing on Indian music influences with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti.

“The role of music is today what it has always been in the past,” he said in his acceptance remarks. “It is the universal language of love, both human and divine. Music is our highest form of collective unity, since in any given concert there will be Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and atheists, all under one roof, enjoying music.”

He added, “Whatever we give to music with love and dedication is repaid a thousand times in ways that defy categorization. To be a musician is one of the greatest privileges.”

At the commencement ceremony, 137 graduates from 30 nations received master of music degrees in music production, technology, and innovation; scoring for film, television, and video games; and contemporary performance with a concentration in production; or master of arts degrees in global entertainment and music business.

The ceremony also celebrated the Valencia campus’ fifth year, during which time the campus has hosted more than 1,500 students from 71 nations and granted $4 million in scholarships to graduate students.

Berklee’s honorary doctorate recipients are recognized for their achievements and influences in music, and for their enduring contributions to American and international culture. Past recipients include Duke Ellington (the first, in 1971), Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, Steven Tyler, Loretta Lynn, Juan Luis Guerra, Annie Lennox, Paco de Lucia, Carole King, Willie Nelson, George Clinton, Rita Moreno, Lionel Richie, and A. R. Rahman. Honorary doctorates have previously been awarded at the Valencia campus to Eddie Gómez (2013) and Plácido Domingo (2014).

vvnmusic.com

Related Posts

The Who Roger Daltrey. Photo by Ros O'Gorman
The Who’s Lead Singer Is Now Sir Roger Daltrey

Meet the new Knight, same as the old Knight. Roger Daltrey has been knighted by King Charles III making his Sir Roger Daltrey for his work with the Teenage Cancer Trust.

1 day ago
The Guess Who
The Guess Who To Reunite With Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings For First Time In 23 Years

Canada’s The Guess Who have announced they are getting back together for the first time with Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings in 23 years.

2 days ago
The Kinks The Journey Part 3
The Kinks Premiere Live Version of ‘Sunny Afternoon’ Ahead of ‘The Journey Part 3’

The Kinks have released a live version of their 1966 hit ‘Sunny Afternoon’ recording at the Royal Albert Hall in 1993.

3 days ago
Hank Marvin's Gypsy Jazz
Hank Marvin’s Gypsy Jazz To Play Two Shows In Perth

Hank Marvin Gypsy Jazz is playing occasional shows in 2025 with Perth just announced for two September shows.

4 days ago
Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Palais in St Kilda on Sunday 3 April 2016. Photo by Ros O'Gorman
Carnie Wilson Honours Her Father Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson's daughter Carnie Wilson has broken her silence on her father's death.

4 days ago
The Beach Boys, Al Jardine 2012: Photo Ros O'Gorman
The Beach Boys Pay Tribute To Brian Wilson

The Beach Boys have honoured their late co-founder and singer, Brian Wilson.

4 days ago
Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Palais in St Kilda on Sunday 3 April 2016. Photo by Ros O'Gorman
Legendary Beach Boys Founder Brian Wilson Dies At 82

Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, one of the most influential songwriters of the past century, has died at the age of 82.

4 days ago