Peavey Electronics founder to address MSU grads, receive honorary degree

Contact: Joe Farris

Music industry sound equipment pioneer Hartley Peavey will deliver the May 8 commencement address and receive an honorary doctorate degree at Mississippi State University.

Peavey Electronics, the company he founded in 1965-the same year he graduated from MSU-has developed into one of the world's largest manufacturers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment. Hartley Peavey remains its chief executive officer and sole owner.

Besides serving as commencement speaker, Peavey will receive the honorary doctor of creative and performing arts degree from his alma mater. The honor was approved Thursday [April 15] by the state College Board.

MSU will award more than 2,000 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees during the 10 a.m. ceremony at Humphrey Coliseum.

Peavey Electronics, headquartered in Meridian, has grown from its beginnings as a one room operation to an international corporation with 33 manufacturing and distribution facilities in Mississippi, Alabama and England. Through its four divisions, the company manufactures every link in the audio chain-from guitars, bass and drums to mixers, amplifiers, and speakers-and distributes more than 2,000 products to 136 countries.

The company's sound systems are used in entertainment venues from the Sydney Opera House to the Opryland Convention Center to the Las Vegas Strip, in government buildings from the U.S. Senate Chamber to the parliament houses of China and Russia, in more than a quarter of NFL football stadiums, and in theme parks, supermarkets and airports around the world.

"Hartley Peavey is recognized throughout the world as an authority on the music and audio industry, and he has built a company known for creativity and innovation," said MSU President Charles Lee. "His success in a globally competitive industry has brought recognition and hundreds of jobs to his home state and region, and he is a role model for our students as a technological innovator and entrepreneur."

Peavey Electronics leads the industry in patents, with more than 130, and in trademarks and registered products. Peavey was the first musical instrument maker to utilize online product conceptualization and design.

Hartley Peavey is a member of the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, a 1992 recipient of the National Literacy Honors Award presented by President and Mrs. George Bush, and a 1994 winner of the Republican Senatorial Medal of Freedom.

He was honored last year by the Mississippi World Trade Center with its Guy Tozzoli "Peace Through Trade" Distinguished Leadership Award. He has been listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the worldwide music industry by BAM magazine.

Peavey is married to another Mississippi State graduate, the former Mary Winfred Love, a past homecoming queen and Miss MSU.