The man you know behind some of your favorite songs is also being recognized for his research on what those tunes can do for your soul.

Frederick “Doc” Heide was one of 16 Wisconsinites recognized by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters for their lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and contributions to the cultural life and welfare of the state’s residents.

Heide is well known locally for helping to start what is now Northern Sky Theater, lending his skills to original hits such as Belgians in Heaven, Packer Fans from Outer Space and Guys & Does.

Less known, Heide is also a clinical psychologist and an award-winning educator who received the Outstanding Research Contribution Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies for his groundbreaking work on relaxation-induced anxiety.

Heide recently released Birthplace of Thunder, the latest album from his Zen of Thieves project, after a successful Kickstarter campaign raised more than $25,000.

Environmental toxicologist and educator Rebecca Klaper; urban ecology pioneer and author Ken Leinbach; Indigenous artist and cultural educator Melanie Tallmadge Sainz; and sculptor, curator and visual artist Martha Glowacki are among the others recognized. A special ceremony will take place this fall.

Picture courtesy of Heide's Kickstarter page