Irving Azoff received an honorary doctor of music degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on May 18. The university cited his accomplishments: "Irving Azoff, a concert promoter, personal manager, movie producer, music publisher and chief executive officer of one of the big five record companies, will receive an honorary doctor of music degree.
The chairman of the Azoff Music Management Group, Azoff is the personal manager of the Eagles, whose "Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" is the best-selling album of all time. A native of Danville, Ill., and Illinois alumnus, Azoff produced "Urban Cowboy" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and several other films. In 2000, he became co-chairman of Concerts West, a live entertainment promotion company. In 1990, Azoff founded Azoff Entertainment Co., a joint venture with Time Warner. Prior to forming Giant Records, Azoff was the chairman of the MCA Music Entertainment Group.
He has been honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation and by the City of Hope – receiving their Humanitarian of the Year award and Spirit of Life Award, respectively."
By the way, Dan Fogelberg was Azoff's college roommate.
