That’s Dr. Don Henley To You

The honorary degrees will be presented at Berklee’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 12 at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. 

The musicians are being honored “for their achievements and influence in music and for their enduring contributions to American and international culture.”

Berklee will continue its tradition of having students pay tribute to the honorary doctorate recipients by performing music associated with their careers on the eve of the ceremony. Both the concert and ceremony are closed to the public.

Since forming in 1971, Eagles’ Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit have put out seven studio releases, which have sold more than 120 million copies worldwide, racked up five number one singles and earned six Grammy Awards. The band, which has also picked up five American Music Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Krauss has definitely earned her own share of awards. With 27 Grammy Awards the bluegrass-country singer holds the record for the most awards for any female and the second most of any recording artist in Grammy history. Last year she released her 14th album, Paper Airplane.

Astatke is known as the father of Ethio-jazz, which is described as a blend of pop, modern jazz, traditional Ethiopian music, Latin rhythms, Caribbean reggae and Afro-funk. His resume includes enrolling as the first African student at Berklee College of Music in the ‘60s, working with jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, collaborating with Either/Orchestra, founding a music school, and opening his own club. His latest release is 2010’s Mulatu Steps Ahead.