Sir Paul receives honorary degree

Updated 10.03 Tue May 27 2008
Keywords: songs, career, music, degree, Yale, University, McCartney, Beatles, Sir Paul

Sir Paul McCartney has been awarded an an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University in the US.

The former Beatle was praised at the ceremony for his lengthy career as a songwriter and musician.

The former Beatle was praised at the ceremony for his lengthy career as a songwriter and musician

As McCartney walked on stage to accept the accolade, a band played the Beatles hit Hey Jude.

Yale University President Richard Levin said: "You have pushed the boundaries of the familiar to create new classics.

"We admire your musical genius and your generous support of worthy causes."

Sir Paul, who did not make a speech, was one of eight people who received honorary degrees, including US poet John Lawrence Ashbery and astronomer Martin Rees.

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