Billy Joel receives honorary Doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music at the Riverside Church in Harlem on May 16, 2008 in New York City.
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The Piano Man received an honorary doctor of music degree Friday, May 22, and said he’s “one of the lucky ones.”
Newsday reports that Joel told graduates of the university on Long Island that he knew he wanted to be a musician from a very young age.
He wished the graduates the commitment to make what they love their life’s work.
And he wished them the stamina to continue that work when they encounter resistance and tough times.