Artists Lionel Richie, Lucinda Williams, Todd Rundgren, Shin Joong Hyun and The Recording Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow will receive honorary doctor of music degrees at Berklee College of Music’s commencement ceremony on May 13. Rundgren is also this year’s commencement speaker.
The honorary degrees will be presented by Berklee president Roger H. Brown at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. Being recognized for their achievements and influences in music along with their contributions to American and international culture, this year’s recipients join such previous honorees as Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Annie Lennox, Carole King, Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias.
Following tradition, Berklee students will salute the honorees by performing music associated with their careers during the commencement eve celebration on May 12 at the Agganis.