Class of 2017: “Strong, talented, Dave Green and prepared”

The May 12–13 commencement and Sciences (the Grammys), playing weekend brought together more “Radio Song” by Esperanza Spalding than 1,000 graduates and their fami- ’05. Bassist and composer Spalding lies as well as this year’s honorees: was named the Best New Artist at the Lionel Richie, Lucinda Williams, Todd 2011 Grammy Awards broadcast. Rundgren, Neil Portnow, and Shin Other highlights among the Joong Hyun. For the May 12 com- show’s 24 numbers included “96,000” Lots of doctors in the house. From the left: Todd Rundgren, Larry Simpson, Lionel Richie, mencement concert, the contribu- from the musical In the Heights per- Neil Portnow, Shin Joong Hyun, Lucinda Williams, and Roger Brown tions of these music legends provided formed by the singers and dancers of an unusually broad range of mate- the Berklee Contemporary Musical revealed that they hail from 72 coun- rial for the Yo Team production staff Theater Ensemble. Rundgren’s “Bang tries, 32 percent are women, the oldest and student musicians to draw upon. the Drum All Day” was given a twist is 65, and the youngest 20. Kelly Davidson Kelly Consequently, the program included with the addition of a rap by Jonathan President Roger Brown conferred a little something for everyone with Page. Shania Wilcox sang Lionel the honorary doctoral degrees begin- selections drawn from pop, funk, rock, Richie’s “Say You, Say Me” to elegant ning with Shin Joong Hyun. Brown country-folk, Broadway, and jazz. string accompaniment. “All Night described Hyun’s pioneering work The show, held at Boston Long,” with vocals by Brandon Shah in popularizing rock music in South University’s Agganis Area, opened and Jennie O, kicked the energy up a Korea beginning in 1957 as a per- with a sample of music created by or notch in a production that featured former, songwriter, and producer. associated with each of the honor- members of the Boston Conservatory Brown stated that Hyun’s influence ees. Vocalist Joachina Mertz kicked at Berklee Dance Division Ensemble. on Korean popular music continues to things off with a guitar-driven version Three of the honorees took the present. of “Passionate Kisses” in tribute to its the stage during the night. Lucinda Of Portnow, Brown said, “If the Lionel Richie sings with students on the commencement concert encore, “We Are author, country-folk singer-songwriter Williams and Shin Joong Hyun each Grammy Awards are ‘music’s biggest the World.” Lucinda Williams. Elise Go was up next did solo spots. Williams sang her song night,’ then Neil Portnow might have to sing Lionel Richie’s ballad “You Are.” “When I Look at the World” accompa- music’s biggest job—one that extends Richie’s deep catalog was well repre- nying herself on guitar. Hyun played his far beyond the industry’s most presti- own songs?” he asked. Richie thanked sented throughout the night. Belgian signature model Fender Strat through gious event.” He chronicled Portnow’s Berklee for the honor saying, “I will pedal harpist and singer Pia Salvia a cranked Marshall amp for a rocked advocacy in behalf of musicians definitely sing your praises as I travel offered a very appealing and personal up version of the standard “Autumn and his leadership of the Grammy around the world.” take on Todd Rundgren’s “Can We Still Leaves.” As the show was drawing to Foundation in educational, humanitar- Accepting her degree, Williams Be Friends.” That segued into another a close, audience members leapt to ian, and historical preservation initia- quoted German philosopher Friedrich hit by the evergreen rocker, “I Saw their feet at the sight of Richie appear- tives. Portnow told the crowd, “Berklee Nietzsche, who said, “Without music, the Light,” which was sung by Erica ing onstage to sing “We Are the World” can be very proud of having [alumni] life would be a mistake.” She told the Ishiyama and included the harmo- with the students. The pop anthem recipients of 275 Grammy and 88 Latin grads, “All of you—each in your own nized lead guitar parts played original- that Richie cowrote with Michael Grammy Awards so far, and more sure- way—have chosen a life in music. ly by Rundgren. Jackson was the perfect encore, closing ly to come from some of you folks.” And while it may not be easy, you will Representing the music of Shin the show on a positive note. Brown described Lionel Richie’s always have a role in guaranteeing Joong Hyun, known as the godfa- At 10:00 A.M. the next day, an esti- amazing career with its long string of that life will not be a mistake.” ther of South Korean rock, Dongho mated audience of 7,000 was seated hits and record sales topping one mil- Roger Brown told the grads, “The Yang sang the rock song “Jlguyer” in in Agganis Arena for the formal com- lion units. In his acceptance remarks, good times are nice, but don’t lose your Korean. The Berklee Jazz Ambassadors mencement exercises. Senior Vice Richie told the crowd of unexpected head when you experience some suc- took the stage in a nod toward President for Academic Affairs/Provost feelings during the concert. “Who cess. And the bad times can be tough, Neil Portnow, the president of the Larry Simpson started off by shar- would’ve thought the students of but don’t lose heart when you stumble. National Academy of Recording Arts ing a few statistics about the class. He Berklee would bring me to tears on my You are strong, talented, and prepared.”

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