Legendary recording artist, author, and actor Pat Boone will donate a historic gift to Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music to build a state-of-the-art scoring stage and recording studio, where aspiring performers, composers, and filmmakers will come alongside Christ-centered faculty mentors to learn their craft. Boone visited the campus on February 23 to sign and commemorate the gift agreement and meet with current music students and faculty.
“Azusa Pacific University is grateful to Pat Boone for this extraordinary gift that will extend his inspiring legacy by equipping a new generation of artists to transform their industry for the cause of Christ,” said Adam J. Morris, PhD, president. “APU’s Pat Boone Scoring Stage and Recording Studio will be a premier production facility located just east of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world and a profoundly influential place for music.”
The new complex, located on APU’s East Campus, will enhance the Warren Music Building and feature a scoring stage with tracking for a full film orchestra, 100-voice choir, and production suites.
“Music and movies have the power to persuade, make deep impressions that propel behavior, and are a moral influence on society,” said Boone. “I am partnering with APU to prepare students for a career that spurs positive and righteous activity in the entertainment industry. I believe God will breathe His Spirit into our efforts to further His use of young talents doing inspirational things if we pray and give toward His purpose.”
Although he originally planned to become a teacher/preacher, Boone experienced massive success as a young artist and felt called to a career in music. He has been recognized by Billboard magazine as a top 10 all-time recording artist, having sold more than 45 million records. Boone earned 38 Top 40 and 6 No. 1 hits with 13 gold singles, 2 gold albums, 1 platinum album, and holds the record for 220 consecutive weeks with one or more singles on the Billboard pop charts. He has recorded over 2,600 songs, is a Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, and a six-time Grammy nominee. Also a No. 1 bestselling author and actor, Boone has published 28 autobiographical and motivational books, several of which focus on faith, starred in 29 Hollywood films, and has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one each for recording, motion picture, and television.
Boone and his wife, Shirley, were married for more than 65 years and have 4 daughters, 16 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. A devout Christian, Boone has supported nonprofits across the world. In 1960, Pat Boone wrote the lyric to the theme from the movie “Exodus,” "The Exodus Song (This Land Is Mine)," considered by many to be Israel’s second national anthem and he was named the Christian Ambassador of Tourism by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
“The celebration of Pat Boone's lifetime of music making, faith, and service combined with transformative interactions between Boone and APU's music students will create a meaningful experience for all,” stated John E. Simons, DMA, interim dean of the College of the Arts. “The Pat Boone Scoring Stage and Recording Studio will continue Boone's legacy as APU builds on its deep connection with the music industry and prepares the next generation of leaders.”
APU honored Boone with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to Christ and the arts at the university’s 2023 Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. studios, and premiered Boone’s song, “Jehoshua,” with the APU Symphony Orchestra, student soloists, and student choir.
“The Commercial Music program at APU is built around students collaborating on real-world industry projects, guided by faculty who are themselves first-class working professionals,” Michael Lee, MM, professor and director of Music Technology. “Thanks to the generosity of Pat Boone and the Boone family, that experience will extend to include live film scoring sessions, immersive sound design projects, and student-accessible production suites. The Pat Boone Scoring Stage and Recording Studio will be an essential part of APU’s ongoing mission to train culture-changing artists of the future.”
At APU, students flourish in an environment that supports musical excellence and artistic integrity firmly grounded in Christian faith. APU music students experience a unique blend of academic rigor, experiential learning, and personal support that sets them apart.