Dee Dee Bridgewater, legendary jazz vocalist, multi-talented artist, and producer, will deliver the keynote address at Denison University’s 184th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17. This will be the third time Bridgewater will grace a stage at Denison. As a two-time Vail Series artist, she has mesmerized audiences in concerts and shared her insights and experiences with students in classrooms.
Over the course of an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Bridgewater has established herself as one of the most iconic voices in jazz, earning numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and a Tony Award. At the ceremony, Bridgewater will be recognized with the conferring of an honorary degree, Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.
“Dee Dee Bridgewater is an extraordinary artist and entrepreneur who innovates across genres, creates new art, and revises standard works,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg. “She has built connections with Denison students and faculty in classrooms and on stage during her time here as a Vail Series guest artist, and I look forward to renewing that connection. We are delighted to invite an absolute master of their craft to speak at the Class of 2025 Commencement.”
Bridgewater has redefined jazz, performing with luminaries such as Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, and Dizzy Gillespie. Her most recent Grammy win celebrates the legacy of greats, including Billie Holiday.
“I am thrilled to be returning to Denison University for the unique honor of receiving an honorary doctorate and giving the commencement speech,” said Bridgewater. “My connection with Denison is quite special and has created a lifelong bond.”
She has pursued a parallel career in musical theater, winning a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda” in The Wiz in 1975. She served as the namesake host of the long-running syndicated NPR radio program, JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater. Expanding the boundaries of her art, she has launched her own record label and established The Woodshed Network, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in jazz.
As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, Bridgewater’s influence extends beyond the arts, advocating for global solidarity to combat world hunger. Her humanitarian efforts and artistic achievements have earned her numerous honors, including the NEA Jazz Masters Fellows Award and induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.