The Art of the Story

Lee Berk followed his father's visionary steps in creating a unique music college

By Doug Doyle,

Bobby Sanabria

Published June 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM EDT

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Lee Berk with Amar G. Bose and Oleta Adams in 1994

On this episode of The Art of the Story, we highlight the new book Lee Berk: Leading the Berklee Way.

Lee Berk, the late president and namesake of Berklee College of Music, died unexpectedly on October 21 of 2023. The new book, written by guitarist and noted journalist Mark Small with the help of Lee’s widow Susan is a loving tribute to the Berk family and its impact on the music community and beyond.

Bobby Sanabria and Doug Doyle's entire interview with Susan Berk and Mark Small is below:

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Doug Doyle

Doug Doyle has been News Director at WBGO since 1998 and has taken his department to new heights in coverage and recognition. Doug and his staff have received more than 250 awards from organizations like PRNDI (now PMJA), AP, New York Association of Black Journalists, Garden State Association of Black Journalists and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.

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Bobby Sanabria

Bobby Sanabria is an eight time Grammy-nominee as a leader, drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, conductor, documentary film producer, educator, activist, and bandleader. A native son of the South Bronx born to Puerto Rican parents, he has performed and recorded with such legends as Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Dizzy Gillespie, Chico O’Farrill, Ray Barretto, Cándido, Henry Threadgill, Larry Harlow, and the Godfather of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá.

See stories by Bobby Sanabria