Jimmy Page to Receive Honorary Doctorate From Berklee College of Music

Following this morning’s reissue announcement, there’s more big Led Zeppelin news today. 

Most of Jimmy Page‘s dreams and fantasies were probably realized sometime around 1977, but here’s one that the legendary Led Zeppelin co-founder likely never envisioned coming to pass: On May 10th, the guitarist, producer, and songwriter will receive an honorary doctor of music degree from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. The ceremony will take place at the 7,000 seat Agganis Arena at Boston University. 

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In an email to Rolling Stone, Page commented that, “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.”

Joining Page as honorees, all of whom are being celebrated for their achievement and influence, are jazz pianist, composer and educator Geri Allen, singer, songwriter and producer Valerie Simpson (of Ashford and Simpson fame) as well as jazz trumpeter, composer and educator Thara Memory. 

Past Berklee honorees include David Bowie, Carole King, Loretta Lynn and George Clinton. 

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On May 9th, this year’s honorees will watch and listen as current Berklee students perform music from their careers. In recent years, honorees such as Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Alison Krauss and Annie Lennox have joined the students on stage. It’s unknown whether or not Page will do the same, but at the very least, should he chose to, he won’t have to look very far to borrow a violin bow. 

Congratulations to him and all the other honorees. 

A full list of musicians who have been awarded honorary degrees from Berklee is available here.