Minneapolis native and renowned music producer Jimmy Jam received an honorary high school diploma from Minneapolis Washburn High School on January 5, 2024, marking a significant milestone after nearly five decades. The presentation occurred during the school’s 100th anniversary celebration, where Jam was celebrated as one of the institution’s most accomplished former students.
Principal Emily Lilja Palmer introduced Jam, whose full name is James Samuel Harris III, as a member of the Class of 1977. Although he left school after his junior year to pursue a career in music, his accomplishments in the industry have solidified his legacy. Jam has been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he has won five Grammy Awards along with numerous other accolades.
During the ceremony, Jam humorously noted that he had an orange necktie he had never worn before, in honor of Washburn’s school colors of orange and blue. “I couldn’t think of a better place to wear orange, right?” he remarked, emphasizing the school’s role in shaping his musical journey. Jam fondly recalled spending time in the counselor’s office, where he wrote many of his early songs inspired by the piano that was kept there.
When contemplating his decision to leave school, Jam feared disappointing his mother, an early childhood educator. He recalled her supportive words: “As long as I see you really going for it, it’s OK with me.” He reflected on how, ten years later, she accompanied him to the Grammy Awards, providing a sense of closure for both of them regarding his educational path. “Tonight, I know she’s watching from her skybox above,” he said, expressing his gratitude.
After receiving the diploma, Jam shared his feelings of disbelief with the Star Tribune. “It feels surreal. This is something that I never expected,” he said, highlighting the presence of his father, Cornbread Harris, who is 98 years old, as a particularly special moment. Jam described the diploma as ranking at the top of his many awards, calling it “the most recent and certainly the most unexpected.”
Reflecting on his relationship with Washburn, Jam was thrilled to reconnect with former classmates, including one who played trumpet in his band during their high school days and another who shared sports experiences with him. The irony of receiving a high school diploma after already holding an honorary doctorate from Monmouth University due to a commencement speech he delivered was not lost on him.
Palmer initiated the honorary diploma process two years prior while planning the school’s centennial celebrations. During their conversation, she discovered that Jam had never received his high school diploma, prompting the school to rectify this oversight.
As part of the ongoing celebration, Jam is scheduled to speak again on January 7, 2024, alongside other notable alumni, including Robert Cabana, a Class of 1967 graduate and former astronaut. This event further highlights the lasting impact of Washburn High School on its students and the community.
