On Saturday, May 17th, The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2008, the 2nd class to ever graduate from the department!
Tisch Salute – Class of 2008
Speech by Jim Anderson, May 17, 2008
Madison Square Garden
Thank you.
Before we begin...
Could I ask the 2008 graduating class of the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music to please rise?
From myself, and the department’s faculty, congratulations to all of you!
Let me take a moment, here, I have to admit that paying attention to a second child’s progress can be a challenge.
For me, my first child, no problem.
I can tell you my daughter’s first word, where I was the first time she spoke a number,
how she teetered when she took her first steps;
I have no problem recalling all of that ‘first’ stuff. Those memories are as clear as crystal to me.
Now, with my son, my second child, I’ll honestly admit that the details are a little foggy.
Ask any parent here today, and if they’re being honest with you, they’ll admit the same, I’m certain.
You could call the second child effect, the parental version of sophomore slump.
In the music industry, we also have the sophomore slump. It’s that rushed 2nd album made to follow up to the first hit.
But think of all the great 2nd albums, great sophomore efforts, that there have been:
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan
Nirvana’s Nevermind
Elvis Costello’s This Year’s Model
Even, Arcade Fire’s Neon Bible
I’m sure my recorded music students could name a hundred more.
Here, today, with the 2nd graduating class of recorded music, there’s no sophomore slump...
No 2nd child syndrome...
You, like Elvis Costello’s This Year’s Model, prove the exception to the rule.
You’re the great follow-up album.
You’re definitely This Year’s Model.
There's nothing quite like watching people do what they love to do, and watching them do it with complete commitment.
Over the past four years, I’ve listened to you search and find your voice in producing and recording…
Watched you maneuver your way from your freshman songs (I mean, who could ever forget “Boom Shika La” or “Strawberry Pain?”) through your internships and your Capstone Projects.
I’ve watched you work, and work hard, to develop your individuality.
In the department, we’ve had the privilege to watch you grow and blossom in
your performing and singing…
your songwriting and your dreams...
You’ve created projects, and you have plans, that will rock and roll the music industry.
You’ve all made bonds and creative friendships that will help you...
These are bonds that will last a lifetime.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, I know you’ll each make a difference…
And to me, you’ll always be special…
one of a kind…
different from all others in a significant way…
Let me elaborate how one of a kind you are:
In the future, when you hear the name “Spikey Jay” who could that be, but Jay Aquino?
Who else could go to study in London and come back “So Fly,” but Elle Varner?
Who else could walk by one of the many gated Greenwich Village playgrounds, see the children playing and remark that the kids were “Prisoners of Fun,” but Ray Aldaco?
Rachel Etheredge wrote me a beautiful note yesterday, and she concluded it, writing:
“Nothing is more valuable than this moment right here, because the "yes" that got me into this department was the single most important "yes" that has ever been said to me.”
I’m so glad we said “Yes” to all of you.
I’m here to tell you that the future is all it’s cracked up to be.
Go forth and enjoy the future!
Congratulations to all of you:
The class of 2008 of the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music.
