By Brent Lyday
Commerce – Legendary country music artist Ray Price will be receiving an honorary doctorate from Texas A&M University-Commerce on Dec. 19 for his contributions to the state, region and country, as well as his accomplishments throughout his career.
This is the highest honor a university can bestow on an individual, said Jim Anderson, department head of mass media, communications and theatre at A&M-Commerce. There have only been a handful of honorary doctorates given by the entire Texas A&M University System. I can think of no other person more deserving of this honor than Ray Price.
Price s multitude of country classics in the late 1950s helped country music during a time when rock and roll was king. He worked with country legends Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and many others on his way to producing eight No. 1 hits and another top-10 hit from 1960-82.
His musical accomplishments are numerous including 62 albums that earned Academy of Country Music, Country Music Associate and Grammy Awards. In 1996, Price was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a testament to the lasting impact of Price s talent.
Ray Price s music has touched the lives of generations of people around the world, Anderson said. He is generous with his time and talent, going out of his way to help young people.
The presentation will take place during the 3 p.m. master's and doctoral graduation at the A&M-Commerce Field House.