He has spent decades singing the praises of talented pop stars and music bands he has nurtured to fame.
But yesterday it was Colin Lester’s chance to step into the limelight after he collected an honorary doctorate from Southampton Solent University. The music mogul was among 500 graduates donning their mortarboards and gowns for the annual ceremony at Southampton Guildhall.
The CEO of Twenty First Artists who has managed Craig David, the Arctic Monkeys, Travis and the Brand New Heavies, also launched his Colin Lester Digital Entrepreneurship Award enabling students and alumni to develop their talents.
Other honorary doctorates included David Jamilly who was awarded a Doctor of Business for work in the entertainment industry and his philanthropy and Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jimmy Chestnutt.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here