The Royal Northern College of Music has awarded music industry legends Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis with Honorary Professorships.

Influential

Recognised as one of the most influential musicians, songwriters and producers in the world, guitarist Nile Rodgers' back catalogue contains some of the greatest sounds of all time.

His eclectic body of work has already seen him inducted into the Rock & Roll 'Hall of Fame' and the Songwriters 'Hall of Fame'. He was recently appointed Chief Creative Advisor for the legendary Abbey Road Studios and is the newly-elected Chair of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

He has worked with artists such as David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Madonna as well as collaborating with Daft Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure, and Sam Smith.

Industry executive

The music industry executive and entrepreneur, Merck Mercuriadis is acknowledged as a leading enterprenuer in artist management to music publishing, working with artists such as Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Morrissey, Beyoncé and Iron Maiden.

He is the Founder and CEO of the Hipgnosis Songs Fund Ltd, a £1 billion market cap FTSE 250 Song Management company.

The awards further endorse the RNCM's four-year undergraduate BMus Degree in Popular Music, with the expertise of international artists such as Nile and Merck now becoming integral to the programme.

Special

In a joint statement the duo said: "It's very special for us to be honoured by the RNCM with professorships for our work.

Music means everything to both of us, it's central to our bond and our lives, and to be able to assist with the terrific work that they do in preparing future generations of music creators and executives is a privilege and responsibility that we take very seriously."

It is a pleasure to confer Honorary Professorships on Nile and Merck in recognition of their extraordinary achievements in the music industryProf Linda Merrick

Significant role

Speaking about the awards, RNCM Principal, Prof Linda Merrick told 4BR: "It is a pleasure to confer Honorary Professorships on Nile and Merck in recognition of their extraordinary achievements in the music industry.

I know that as this exciting new relationship develops, Nile and Merck will play a significant role in inspiring our young musicians as we work collectively to define the future of music."