3 Famous (and Genius) Musicians With PhDs

It often seems that musicians are pigeonholed by their vocation thanks to the tireless work and dedication it entails. This is far from the truth. Numerous musicians have had successful careers outside of music whether it be in business, law, or some other field. However, some of the most successful musicians to thrive outside of music are PhD holders.

Becoming a professional musician is a near-impossible feat and reaching the highest level of academia is possibly of the same difficulty. Regardless of the level of difficulty, the musicians who garnered PhDs show that their grit, hard work, and intelligence extend beyond music. That said, here are three musicians who have received PhDs in numerous fields of study.

1. Brian May

After Queen’s fame diminished and the members got older, it seems Brian May needed a new hobby. Unlike other retired folks, May didn’t take up fishing or golf. Rather, he acquired a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007. Needless to say, May needed something as stimulating as music, and he got it.

Following his PhD reception, May became the Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University and was a collaborator on NASA’s New Horizons Pluto mission. Though, receiving his PhD wasn’t something he did on a whim. May had started his studies prior to joining Queen and had to stop due to their popularity. So when it was all said and done, May achieved what he originally set out to do.

2. Dexter Holland

Yep, you read that right. 2000’s punk band lead singer, Dexter Holland, has a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Southern California. Like May, Holland had started his studies and then put them on pause due to The Offspring’s massive success. In 2017 Holland finally received his PhD at USC’s commencement.

In addition to his PhD, he also holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science in molecular biology degree. Given that Holland had to stop his studies in 1994, it took the punk rocker approximately 23 years to finish what he started.

3. Sterling Morrison

Music and science don’t typically meld on a fundamental level, but the humanities and music do. Sterling Morrison of The Velvet Underground saw this correlation and received a PhD in medieval literature from The University of Texas in 1986. What is interesting about Morrision’s higher-ed career is that it started after his time with the band. In 1971 Morrison became the last founding member to leave The Velvet Underground to pursue his graduate studies.

Seemingly a type of wayward soul after the band’s breakup, Morrison took on many odd jobs and hobbies. Working towards a PhD was one of them. Regardless, Morrison’s dissertation was on the four signed poems of the medieval poet, Cynewulf and what ultimately gave him the title of Dr.

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