"Son of Salford" Graham Nash receives honorary degree

Graham Nash viewing photographs of Salford

Legendary musician Graham Nash OBE received an honorary doctorate today (Friday, 30 September) from the University of Salford.

The doctorate of arts was conferred in a ceremony at the University’s Peel Hall in recognition of Nash’s music career, beginning with The Hollies in the early 1960s. In 1968 he left The Hollies to form a new group with David Crosby and Stephen Stills - Crosby, Stills & Nash - which later became a foursome with Neil Young. 

Nash was born in Blackpool in 1942 and brought up in Salford.  His mother had been evacuated during the war and the family subsequently returned to their hometown.

At the ceremony he explained the influence that the city has had on his life and music. “I’m a son of Salford. Everything I learned about how to deal with the world I learned from my parents here. I think they would have been incredibly proud of me.”

He also explained that he was a former engineering student at the University, but decided it wasn’t the right path for him. “Instead of doing school work I was drawing guitars, stage sets and practising my autograph!” he said. 

However, he acknowledged that he made the right choice and appreciated the public recognition of his work, saying: “I didn’t get into music for awards, but I am truly grateful to be here.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall said: “Graham has made an outstanding contribution to the world of music through a career spanning six decades. The University is proud to confer the highest honours it can on such a distinguished Salfordian.”

Graham Nash is currently touring the UK with David Crosby and is playing Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall tonight.