Richard Thompson’s influence on modern music is immense. He co-founded Fairport Convention as a teenager in the 1960s, helping shape British folk rock before launching a long and acclaimed solo career. In 2011, he received an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II. The Los Angeles Times called him “the finest rock songwriter after Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix,” while Rolling Stone named him among the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. His honors include lifetime achievement awards from BBC Radio 2 and the Americana Music Association, plus an Ivor Novello Award. His song “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” was named among TIME’s “100 Greatest Songs Since 1923.” Artists including Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., and Don Henley have recorded his songs worldwide.

Events in the series have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists, and programs of a diverse nature to the campus and community at large. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H Esbenshade Sr., and Harry H. Esbenshade Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pa. All events are free and open to the public.