Annie Lennox | Berklee Commencement Address 2013

Annie Lennox delivers Berklee's 2013 commencement address, sharing the history of her love of music, and how it singularly shaped her future. She reflects on milestones from her own musical journey, hoping to inspire the students as they move forward in their lives and careers at this critical moment of profound change.
She recounts the musical loves from her formative years: the Beatles, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, Motown, Martha Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Smokey Robinson, the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas, Traffic, and Fleetwood Mac. She expands on musical greats, her voice soaring above the graduates as she channels Marvin Gaye in "I Heard It through the Grapevine," Noel Harrison in "The Windmills of Your Mind," Glen Campbell in "Wichita Lineman," Aretha Franklin in "I Say a Little Prayer," and fellow commencement honoree Carole King's "It's Too Late."
She encourages the students to remember to remain open to the shifts and changes that will necessarily shape their lives, and that "what looks like an ending might actually be the start of a new beginning." She closes with a reflection on the incredible privilege it is to enrich one's life with music, and share it with the world in the best possible way one can find. Among the privileges upon which Berklee students reflected that morning was the chance to share the reflections and wisdom of this pop icon, whose own work has helped shape popular music as we know it today.
Commencement site: www.berklee.edu/commencement
Commencement wrap-up: bit.ly/berklegrad2013honorees
Press Release: bit.ly/berkleegrad2013pressrel...
Photo Gallery: bit.ly/berkleegrad2013pics

[@faridfloyd]

I have now watched this video for the 3rd time and think that the decision to select Annie Lennox to deliver the Berklee 2013 Commencement speech was just perfect!

[@BringBackMyYesterdaybyDee]

This commencement address is one of the most powerful addresses I have ever heard. Thank you, Dr. Lennox. Thank you, Berklee College of Music, for sharing it with the world.

[@chas5131]

Love her
Great voice
Great sense of pitch.

[@birdstuckinchimney]

I have to say that Ms Lennox, as well as being a woman with a great gift who has used it with inspirational integrity, has also got to be one of the most beautiful 59 year olds in the history of the world.

[@TrinityRoseOfficial]

“What looks like an ending might actually be the start of a brand new beginning” thank you Dr. Annie Lennox

[@barryking]

ANNIE is so amazing! congratulations!!!!!!!!!

[@shaunmajid1758]

music is the language of the soul. sail with it whichever it may take you. thank you Dr Annie.

[@richardsanchez9805]

OMG she has an infectious "Smile like the sun"!

[@LybioNews]

I came here for Annie!

[@atelise]

Beautiful speech. Wise and wonderfully done by Annie. Thanks for posting this for all to see and learn.

[@pahhborges]

my cousin was there graduating!!! wish i was there

[@TheQueerOfSoul]

She's a diva with a very big heart. She sings the clearest melodies ;)

[@laportecan]

Brilliant , clear, articulate , or Dam girl , that was the best ever !

[@dotdriver]

Inspiring!

[@Flamencanta]

!!! Amazing speech woooow!

[@EphemeralProductions]

Annie is absolutely the best! Will always love her!

[@kimkification]

So Ruth Bader doesn't seem too impressed. I love Annie Lennox. That's just the way it goes. Tack.

[@davecheney8501]

Straight up ... Diva

[@EphemeralProductions]

Willie Nelson also! :)

[@SeanOReillySongs]

Love me some Annie. Check out the Annie Lennox Cover on my channel if ya like. Would appreciate it.