Bob Dylan Receives Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

## Bob Dylan Receives Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

Bob Dylan has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. This marks the first recognition of its kind for him from an American academic institution since 1970.

Dylan expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “Thank you, Berklee College of Music, for bestowing on me this prestigious honor. What a pleasant surprise. Who knows what path my career might have taken if I’d been fortunate enough to learn from some of the great musicians who taught at Berklee?”

### Recognizing Dylan’s Influence

The college highlighted Dylan’s profound impact on modern music and his lifelong dedication to creative exploration. Berklee President Jim Lucchese commented, “Bob Dylan’s music has shaped how the world hears itself. He’s an artist who never stops evolving, continuing to seek truth through sound and language. Honoring him reaffirms the spirit of creativity that founded this institution.”

### The Music Legacy

Matt Glaser, artistic director of Berklee’s American Roots Music Program, added, “Bob Dylan has spent a lifetime learning and transforming every American song tradition. Berklee aims to educate on all the music that Dylan loves. His immersion in African American blues aligns with much of Berklee’s curriculum, rooted in American variations of the music from the African diaspora.”

Dylan’s influence extends beyond mere music; he embodies lifelong learning. Glaser recalls an encounter Dylan had with Thelonious Monk, where the legendary jazz musician remarked, “We all play folk music,” emphasizing a shared foundation among musical genres.

### Dylan’s Educational Journey

In 1959, Dylan left the University of Minnesota after just one semester, attending very few classes. He accepted an honorary degree from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2004, but the recognition from Berklee is significant, being the first from an American institution since he received one from Princeton in 1970.

During that ceremony, Dylan was inspired to write the song “Day of the Locusts,” mentioning, “Oh, the benches were stained with tears and perspiration.” This captures the essence of that moment, filled with a mix of emotion and reflection on his journey.

### Reflections in Chronicles

In his memoir, *Chronicles,* Dylan reminisced about the 1970 ceremony, stating that he appreciated the degree for its symbol of respectability. “I was glad to get the degree, though,” he noted, reflecting on the importance of that academic achievement.

### Upcoming Celebration at Berklee

While Dylan is not expected to attend any ceremonies for his honorary degree from Berklee, the college is hosting a concert called *Watching the River Flow: A Roots Salute to Bob Dylan*. Scheduled for Wednesday evening, the event will feature performances by students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists, showcasing classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” The concert will culminate in a unique rendition of “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” with selected students taking turns singing each of the 20 verses.

What do you think about Bob Dylan’s impact on modern music and his recent honor?