Boston

Mavis Staples, Michael McDonald, Chucho Valdés, and Kenny Garrett Share Music and Words of Wisdom with Berklee College of Music’

McDonald, Valdés perform with students at annual Commencement Concert

Boston, MA, May 7, 2011 – More than 900 graduates from 58 countries – the largest graduating class to date – received degrees today at Berklee College of Music’s 2011 Commencement, held at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. Berklee President Roger H. Brown presented honorary doctor of music degrees to soul and gospel singer Mavis Staples; rock, pop, and r&b singer Michael McDonald; renowned Cuban musicians Chucho Valdés and his father, Bebo Valdés; and jazz legend Kenny Garrett. Chucho Valdés accepted his father’s degree on his behalf. Garrett delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an estimated crowd of more than 4,000 guests.

In his commencement address, Garrett challenged the new graduates to always play music with the same curiosity, freshness, and spontaneity they had as beginners. Quoting Miles Davis, who once told Garrett, by then an experienced performer, to “play like a beginner,” Garrett encouraged the class to heed Davis’ words.

“As you stand on the shoulders of our forefathers, try to raise the bar as high as you can,” he said. “Sometimes, that requires making sacrifices. You’re up for the challenge. You’re young, and you feel indestructible. Follow your gut, follow your heart, and follow your intuition. This is your story, and no one can write it but you.”

Addressing the graduating class, Michael McDonald said “to be among this graduating class, to see these kids, and to perform last night with such brilliant young musicians who have such finesse beyond their years, is one of the most inspirational moments of my entire career. I want to thank Berklee for inspiring me in a way that I think will last me the rest of my life.”

Mavis Staples was honored for her dedication to bringing gospel music to the mainstream and aspiring to uplift and bring about social change through music. “Well, I finally made it to college, finally!” said Staples upon receiving her degree. “I’m so deeply honored, and I sit here in awe of these smiling beautiful faces. I know the world is waiting for you, and you’re ready to go out and bring the joy of music to the world.”

Chucho Valdés accepted his father, Bebo Valdés’, honorary degree on his behalf, and addressed the crowd in Spanish. At the end, he expressed his deep happiness and gratitude for receiving an honorary doctorate from Berklee.

This year’s honorary doctorate recipients were recognized for their achievements in contemporary music, for their enduring contributions to popular culture, and for the influence their careers and music have had over Berklee’s international student body. Staples, McDonald, Chucho and Bebo Valdés, and Garrett join the ranks of such esteemed recipients as David Bowie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sting, B.B. King, James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Loretta Lynn, Quincy Jones, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Smokey Robinson, and Patti Labelle.

An annual Commencement Concert took place on graduation eve, also at the Agganis Arena. Some of the college’s most accomplished students presented a tribute to the honorees with performances of music associated with their careers. Joining the students, McDonald performed his hit “Takin’ it to the Streets,” from his time with the Doobie Brothers. Chucho Valdés took the stage to perform “Calzada del Carro” and “Dile Catalina.” Other concert highlights included a medley of Kenny Garrett songs, pieces originally performed by both Mavis Staples and the Staple Singers, and a medley of Doobie Brothers songs.

Berklee’s class of 2011 graduated with bachelor of music degrees or professional diplomas. Female graduates numbered 286, representing 31 percent of the total class. International students from 58 countries made up 34 percent of the class. The largest number of graduates from outside the U.S. were from South Korea and Japan. Students from as far away as Guam, Iceland, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Zimbabwe also join the graduating class. Domestic students were from 43 states – the greatest number from Massachusetts, California, and New York. The top three majors were Professional Music, Performance, and Music Business/Management. Guitar, voice and piano were the three most common means of musical expression among students of the graduating class.

About Berklee College of Music:
Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For over 65 years, the college has evolved constantly to reflect the state of the art music and the music business. With over a dozen performances and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing over 80 countries, and a music industry “who’s who” of alumni, Berklee is the world’s premier learning lab for the music of today – and tomorrow.