Inspiring the next generation: music and speeches from legendary musicians

2017-2018 Berklee Archives GRAMMY Grant Digitization Project

In 2017, the Berklee Archives received an eighteen month $13,000 grant from the GRAMMY Museum® to digitize a curated selection of 1977-2004 video recordings, primarily drawn from one of its largest collections: Berklee College of Music Video Services Event Recordings, 1979-2005 (collection number BCA-018). Originally on VHS tapes and digitized by George Blood LP, the 136 recordings selected feature Berklee commencement speeches, commencement concerts, as well as clinics by illustrious honorary degree recipients.

About the Berklee College of Music Video Services Event Recordings, 1979-2005

The Berklee College of Music Video Services Event Recordings, 1979-2005 collection (BCA-018) consists of approximately 3,900 video recordings (primarily on VHS tape) of clinics, concerts, and other special events on campus spanning 1979-2005 (with most recordings taking place 1985-2004). Recorded by Berklee's Video Services, collection highlights include: singer showcase concerts, commencement concerts, workshops, clinics, student recitals, commencement ceremonies, entering student convocations, and the dedication and grand opening of the Genko Uchida Building (921 Boylston St). For more information, please see the full collection's itemized finding aid.

About the 136 digitized items (1977-2004)

These video highlights present Berklee honorary degree recipients: influential musicians and music industry icons imparting their wisdom in memorable commencement and convocation speeches, unique performances, and master classes. Honorees featured in this special collection include: Al Jarreau, Alf Clausen, B. B. King, Billy Joel, Billy Taylor, Bob Moog, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, Chick Corea, David Bowie, Dizzy Gillespie, Gary Burton, George Martin, Henry Mancini, Herb Alpert, Herb Pomeroy, Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, James Taylor, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Paquito D'Rivera, Pat Metheny, Patty Austin, Paul Simon, Phil Collins, Phil Ramone, Sting, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Wayne Shorter.

Accessing the digitized collection (1977-2004)

All 136 digitized items may be viewed on-site and by appointment at the Berklee Archives, while the 33 commencement and convocation speeches have been excerpted and may be streamed below. Click here for a full list of available items (1977-2004). To schedule an appointment, please email archives@berklee.edu or call 617-747-8001.

Available online: commencement and convocation speeches