click for enlargement |
Berklee College of Music Commencement 2001 Walter and Donald received honorary Doctor of Music degrees at Berklee's commencement ceremony on May 12. Also presented with honorary degrees were Larry Linkin and William Davis. See Berklee's extensive coverage for pictures, press articles, and an on-demand webcast of students' Commencement Concert of the music of Steely Dan.
|
|
Walter and Donald,
upon being awarded their degrees:
Fagen:
"This is a great thing, especially from a music college. We've gotten a few other various honorariums this year, but this is the best for us, because it comes from musicians and a musical college.
To the graduating class, I just want to say, from a blues verse from Mose Allison, 'When you move up to the city, there's just one thing I hope / When you move up to the city, there's just one thing I hope / You don't take money from a woman / and don't start messin' around with dope.'"
Becker: "This is a great honor for both of us. And if I had any advice based on my career so far that would be worth sharing with you, it would be two things. Number one: As you go into your musical careers, people will try to refocus you on their goals and their artistic aspirations. And it's always best to stay focused on your own. It's the only shortcut that really is available. And Number two: The blues. Playing the blues. Play the blues -- it works over everything."
|
click for enlargement
|