As we had mentioned this summer, Steve Gulley was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music by Lincoln Memorial University this past weekend at their Fall Commencement on December 10.
This is the same institution that conferred this distinction on Ralph Stanley in 1976, leading to him using the honorific, Dr. Ralph Stanley. In the presentation, the poignancy of Gulley receiving this recognition in the year that we lost the Good Doctor was noted.
Steve lives quite near LMU, and has been associated with the school for some time. He serves on the Board for their Arts In The Gap program, and leads its Acoustic Music Week each summer in Harrogate, TN. The workshop offers music instruction from top touring artists for residents of this area of east Tennessee.
Lincoln Memorial President B. James Dawson and Second-Vice Chair Gary Burchett draped the doctoral hood over Steve during the commencement in the traditional pink. He was also presented with a framed diploma which is sure to occupy a prominent place in his studio, The Curve, located in Cumberland Gap.
Dr. Burchett, second-vice chair of the LMU Board of Trustees, praised Steve for his long career in bluegrass, one reaching back to his youth working alongside his dad, Don Gulley, in the Pinnacle Mountain Boys.
“It is fitting in a year where we lost Dr. Ralph Stanley – a legendary musician and remarkable ambassador for LMU, that we honor another son of Appalachia making a name for himself in bluegrass music. Steve Gulley has traveled the world sharing bluegrass music and Appalachian culture whereever he goes. LMU is fortunate to be associated with such a gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist.”
Congratulations, Dr. Gulley. Bluegrass Today is proud to say, “we knew you when!”
