Billy Connolly began his career as a musician, touring with Gerry Rafferty and the folk band The Humblebums, where his humorous introductions and comedic ramblings became an audience favorite. He played his first solo concert in 1971, which led to The Great Northern Welly Boot Show, a mix of music and talk that won considerable acclaim. He went on to release a double album and a #1 hit single, “D.I.V.O.R.C.E.” Since then, he has released numerous hit comedy records and published several comedic books. In July 2001, Connolly received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow.