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DR. WOOD!
Roy Wood will be presented with one of the highest accolades possible when he receives an honorary degree and will be made Doctor of Music by the University of Derby.
The ceremony is Friday, 18 January, and will be beamed live on to the Big Screen in the Market Place in Derby.
The honour recognises Roy's work as an international performing musician and creative figure in British music over 40-plus years.
Congratulations, Roy, for an honour well deserved!
UNIVERSITY OF DERBY PRESS RELEASE
The man behind one of the most memorable festive hits of all time - 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday', has an early Christmas present himself - news he is to receive an honorary degree from the University of Derby in the new year!
Roy Wood, of the band Wizzard, is known to millions around the globe for his musical talent and the 1973 Christmas classic, which reached number 4 in the charts.
He will become an Honorary Doctor of Music of the University of Derby recognising his work as an international performing musician and creative figure in British music and as a founder member of The Move, the Electric Light Orchestra, and Wizzard.
Roy is widely recognised as one of the most significant British musicians of post rock and roll popular music history, contributing to Glam Rock, Rock, Progressive Rock, and Psychedelia.
Roy is one of eight honorary award winners announced today by the University of Derby. Each will receive accolades at our Derby Awards Ceremonies in January for their outstanding work. These honorary awards are conferred in recognition of achievement by individuals of significant distinction.
Press coverage:
ROY'S DEGREE HONOUR
Birmingham Post & Mail (UK)
17 January 2008
by Gary Marks
Birmingham music legend Roy Wood is set to be awarded an honorary degree tomorrow.
The Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard star will be made Doctor of Music by the University of Derby.
The honour recognises the 60-year-old's work as an international performing musician and creative figure in British music.
Kitts Green-born Roy, who now lives in Derby, has written more than 30 hit records and is one of a select number of musicians to top the charts with three different bands.
In 2001 he received the Ivor Novello Award for 'Most Outstanding Song Collection' and his talent as a composer was rewarded with an invitation to join the Society of Distinguished Songwriters alongside Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice.He is also a member of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
He recently performed a Christmas show at Birmingham Town Hall with his new Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band.
Copyright © 2008 Birmingham Post and Mail Ltd.
UNIVERSITY OF DERBY NEW HONOURS
Derby Evening Telegraph
17 January 2008
Eight honorary awards will be presented to high-achievers and well-known personalities, including glam-rock legend Roy Wood, of the band Wizzard, who now lives near Ashbourne.
Mr Wood, who is known to millions of people across the globe for his musical talent and the 1973 Christmas classic I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, becomes an honorary doctor of music.
He is widely recognised as being one of the most significant musicians in the history of British popular music, contributing to glam rock, rock, progressive rock and psychedelia
The ceremonies tomorrow and on Saturday will be beamed live on to the Big Screen in the Market Place in Derby. The digital screen was set up in July and is partially-funded by the university, the city council and the BBC.
Copyright © 2008 Derby Telegraph Media Group Ltd.
WIZZARD IDEA TO HONOUR GODFATHER OF ROCK ROY
Derby Evening Telegraph
30 November 2007
by Zena Hawley
Godfather of Christmas and rock star Roy Wood is to be given an honorary doctorate of music by the University of Derby.
He is one of eight people being honoured by the university at its annual graduation ceremonies in January.
Although he is always known for I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, Mr Wood, 61, is being recognised for his wider contribution to music than his perennial Christmas hit.
Mr Wood, who lives near Ashbourne, has had a music career spanning five decades and was a founder member of The Move, the Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard.
Mr Wood will join more than 2,000 graduates from the university who will be receiving their degrees at Derby's Assembly Rooms on January 18 and 19.
A university spokesman said: "Mr Wood is recognised as being one of the most significant British musicians of post-rock and roll popular music history."
Mr Wood is currently in the recording studio and was unavailable for comment yesterday. Previously, he told the university that he was "delighted" to be given the doctorate.
Copyright © 2007 Derby Telegraph Media Group Ltd.
