Archive for June 9th, 2012

HONORARY PHD AWARDED ON THIS DAY IN 1970

dylan doctorate

Bob Dylan was awarded an honorary doctorate from Princeton
University. The decision to honor Dylan at the school’s 1970
graduation ceremony was somewhat unconventional at the time
and not only did it raise eyebrows among the Princeton crowd,  
it also made Dylan uncomfortable.

According to news reports of the ceremony, Dylan initially refused
to wear a cap and gown and did not speak directly with any staff
or students at the school. Instead, he communicated through his 
wife and through singer David Crosby, who had accompanied him 
on the trip to Princeton.

Dylan found the experience so unsettling that he wrote about it in
a song on his album. "Day of the Locusts" where he describes the
experience and expresses relief that the event is behind him,
declaring: “Sure was glad to get out of there alive.”  

dylan doctorate 2
Dylan (R) receiving his honorary doctorate

            bob dylan tdy 
            Bob Dylan turned 71 on May 21

posted by Bob Karm in ANNIVERSARY,Awards,HISTORY,MUSIC,School/Education,THEN AND NOW and have No Comments