In 2019, Berklee College of Music had the privilege of presenting Ustad Zakir Hussain with an Honorary Doctorate. The tribute concert “Zakir Hussain Meets Berklee” led by the Berklee Indian Ensemble, incorporated myriad musical elements from Zakir Ji’s life’s journey, varying in styles, instrumentation and presentation. For the Honorary Doctorate ceremony, besides a special montage of videos from Zakir Ji’s well wishers and admirers from the music industry, we were delighted to welcome his Shakti colleague and friend of 50 years, master guitarist, composer, and Berklee Honorary Doctorate recipient himself, John McLaughlin, as a surprise guest. Special thanks to Berklee President, Roger H. Brown, Berklee Provost, Larry Simpson and the Office of the President. Gratitude to Dean Nitin Nohria and the staff of Harvard Business School who granted Berklee the use of the Klarman Hall for this momentous occasion. Producer: Artistic Director, BIX, Annette Philip Artist Relations: Senior Director
