Honorary music doctorates for Dee Dee Bridgewater and Harvey Mason

Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and drummer Harvey Mason and are among those who will receive honorary doctorates from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.

The awards recognise, “Achievements and influences in music, and their enduring contributions to American and international culture,” according to an official release. Each will be awarded a doctor of music degree on May 9th. Berklee tradition means students will also perform music associated with their careers at a private event the day before.

Many influential musicians have joined the list of Berklee honourees since Duke Ellington became the first in 1971, including Dizzy Gillespie, Aretha Franklin and Quincy Jones.

Harvey Mason recently released the album ‘Chameleon’, re-exploring key material from his distinguished career. Dee Dee Bridgewater’s latest album ‘Dee Dee’s Feathers’ is a joyous celebration of the traditional side of New Orleans jazz and blues standards with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and local trumpeter Irving Mayfield.