Become famous first and get a college degree later. This isn’t really how it works in real life, but if you’re one of the world’s greatest guitarists, it only makes sense.
On May 10th, Jimmy Page, guitarist and producer of one of the world’s most popular classic rock bands, Led Zeppelin, will receive an honorary doctor of music degree from the Berklee College of Music.
Boston University and its 7,000 seat Agganis Arena will host the prestigious ceremony.
“It's truly an honour to be the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate at Berklee as the music of America has been a primary driving force in my early years and pivotal to my musical development," Page said, in an email to Rolling Stone..
Other honorees of the doctor of music degree include jazz trumpeter and educator, Thara Memory, songwriter and singer, Valerie Simpson, as well as jazz pianist, Geri Allen. Previous honorees include Carole King, Loretta Lynn and David Bowie, according to Berklee.edu.
On May 9th, the eve of the ceremony, students will perform music from the careers of those being honored as tradition. In previous years, students have been joined on stage by Steven Tyler, Willie Nelson and Annie Lennox.
Page, along with Simpson, Memory and Allen, will be rewarded for their long-time contributions and influences to music and culture.