Don Was receives honorary degree from Wayne State University
Wayne State University honors Don Was with an honorary degree in acknowledgement of his many achievements and contributions to the arts.
Don Was at Wayne State commencement, May 8, 2026.
Celebrated producer, musician and WDET host Don Was is being honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters by Wayne State University in recognition of his profound contributions to Detroit’s sound and art as a whole.
Was has earned six Grammys for producing and musicianship. He’s also been recognized for his work as a filmmaker, composer and more with a British Academy Award, Emmy and other honors. Was has lead the jazz label Blue Notes Records as company president since 2011.
With his many international accomplishments, Was keeps Detroit front and center, invigorating the cultural scene with his yearly performances at the Concert of Colors and his work with the talented Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
WDET is grateful to have him behind the mic every Friday night on The Don Was Motor City Playlist alongside Ann Delisi, where he shares insights, stories about the city’s music scene and expertly selected songs with a rapt audience. The show recently celebrated five years on air.
The honorary degree from the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University further highlights his extraordinary accomplishments in the arts and his lifelong commitment to Detroit. Join us in congratulating Don Was on this well-deserved honor.
Hear from Don himself, talking about his career and insights about the arts today on The Metro.
