After nearly five decades since leaving school, renowned music producer and songwriter Jimmy Jam received an honorary diploma from Washburn High School in Minneapolis on March 15, 2024. This recognition was part of the school’s centennial celebration, marking a significant milestone not just for Jam, but for the institution that played a foundational role in his musical career.
Celebrating Achievements and Memories
Principal Emily Lilja Palmer introduced Jam, a member of the Class of 1977, as one of Washburn’s most prominent former students. Despite dropping out after his junior year to pursue a career in music, Jam has since earned multiple accolades, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside five Grammy Awards.
During the ceremony, Jam humorously noted he had an orange necktie in his closet that he had never worn before, remarking, “I couldn’t think of a better place to wear orange, right?” The school’s colors are orange and blue. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from Washburn, particularly from his high school counselor who had a piano in his office, stating, “Let’s just say I spent a lot of time in the counselor’s office. All my first songs came from that.”
Reflecting on his decision to leave high school, Jam recalled his mother’s encouragement. He shared, “As long as I see you really going for it, it’s OK with me,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with him throughout his career. He added, “In 1987, she was my date for the Grammys. My feeling was she never got to see me walk across the graduation stage, but she did get to see me walk across the Grammy stage, which in a way was a bit of a graduation.”
A Day of Joy and Reflection
After receiving the diploma in a leather-bound folder, Jam shared his excitement with his 98-year-old father, Cornbread Harris. “It feels surreal,” Jam told the Minnesota Star Tribune. “This is something that I never expected. Even when I got the call that they wanted to do something, it still wasn’t real to me.” He emphasized the importance of having his father present at such a momentous occasion, especially since he had not returned to the school since leaving in 1976.
At age 66, Jam ranked this honorary diploma as the top achievement in his illustrious career, stating, “Right now it ranks at No. 1 because it’s the most recent and certainly the most unexpected.” He acknowledged the significance of the moment, noting, “There’s all kinds of intangibles about being back home.” His return also allowed him to reconnect with former classmates, one of whom played trumpet in his band during high school.
Jam’s close collaborator, Terry Lewis, humorously remarked on the irony of receiving a high school diploma after already being honored with an honorary doctorate from Monmouth University for speaking at their commencement.
Throughout his career, Jam and Lewis have produced 16 No. 1 pop songs for iconic artists like Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey, positioning them as one of the most successful music production duos in history.
Palmer initially reached out to Jam two years ago while planning the centennial celebration, discovering he had never received a diploma. Following the ceremony, Jam is scheduled to speak at additional festivities alongside Robert Cabana, a former astronaut and Class of 1967 graduate.
This honorary diploma not only marks a personal achievement for Jam but also serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between the artist and his roots in Minneapolis.