Grace Potter told graduates of her alma mater she would not be where she is today if not for love.
Potter, of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals fame, spoke at St. Lawrence University on Sunday and explained a little about how she met her future husband and drummer Matt Burr on campus.
Honestly, more than anything else, it is love that got me here today. If it weren't for a tall, handsome, long-haired senior from New Jersey named Matthew Burr, there would be no Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. We met in my very first week on campus. He was fresh off a semester abroad, traipsing the halls of the music department wearing a bathrobe & holding a briefcase. I was like 'is this guy a professor or student or should I call security?' But that's where it all started. Within those walls, and eventually under the roof of the exalted Java Barn we came to believe in the creative force of the North Country. We built our rock & roll dreams right here.
In fact, many people don't know this, but Matt was only a few credits away from earning his Masters in Education when we left in 2004. The rest is history as they say - we've been making music together for almost 12 years and just last week we had our 1 year wedding anniversary. I know…took us a second to tie the knot. We were kinda busy! Matt, you've sacrificed so much for my crazy dream & given so much to the St. Lawrence Community, you are a truly noble & generous spirit. Until you come back and earn those last few credits for your Masters, I share this honor with you.
Potter left the university after two years. Both her parents and five of her aunts and uncles are St. Lawrence alumni.
She's paid tribute to St. Lawrence in many interviews, and noted in her speech several people on campus who were greatly supportive of her pursuing her rock 'n' roll dreams.
"I see now that it's these experiences, large and small and people who give their time in our early lives that truly shape our path," Potter said. "I hope you can all feel my gratitude and share in this experience."