13 Iconic Musicians Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II recognized many individuals with honors of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The longest reigning monarch in British Royal history died at age 96, and during her legendary reign as Queen, she knighted a number of popular musicians.
Queen Elizabeth II recognized many individuals with honors of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. During her legendary reign as Queen, she knighted a number of popular musicians.
Here is a brief explainer on the various levels of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Per the U.K.'s official Honours System website, the following are the five title distinctions in order of importance the British Monarchy can bestow upon individuals for their non-combative contributions to the U.K.:
-Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): "Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others."
-Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): "Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally."
-Commander of the British Empire (CBE): "A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity."
-Damehood/Knighthood (DBE/KBE): "A pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level), or in a capacity which will be recognized by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and demonstrates sustained commitment."
-Dame/Knight Grand Cross (GBE): "Grand Cross is the highest class in many of the Orders."
Typically, the head monarch will unveil these honors as part of every New Year. Additionally, their birthday also serves as a time to unveil new additions to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. People can be nominated via a special form.
With those definitions and information in mind, here are 13 iconic musicians knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Rod Stewart
David Parker - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesSir Rod was knighted in 2016. He had previously received Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) honors in 2007.
Barry Gibb
Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesSir Barry was knighted in 2018 for his services to the music and charity. While Gibb spent most of his formative years in Australia, he was born in the U.K. on the Isle of Man and has held dual U.K.-U.S. citizenship since 2009.
Bob Geldof
Graham Denholm/Getty ImagesGeldof received an Honorary Knighthood in 1986 for his charitable contributions stemming from Band Aid and Live Aid. Since Geldof is not a British citizen, he cannot be called “Sir.”
George Martin
Michael Buckner/Getty ImagesSir George was knighted in 1996 for his services to music.
Paul McCartney
Mike Coppola/Getty ImagesSir Paul was knighted in 1997. In 1965, he and the rest of the Beatles received Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honors.
Elton John
Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesSir Elton was knighted in 1998. He would later be named a member of the Order of Companions of Honour, the highest honor that can be bestowed by the British Royal Family, in November 2021. Per the British Royal Family's website, "The Companion of Honour is a special award granted to those who have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time. The members, of which there are 65 at any one time, currently include actress Dame Maggie Smith, Lord Coe, Stephen Hawking, John Major and Desmond Tutu."
Ravi Shankar
Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesShankar received an Honorary Knighthood in 2001 for his contributions to music. He cannot be called “Sir” due to not being a British citizen.
Mick Jagger
Fiona Goodall/Getty ImagesSir Mick was knighted in 2002 for his services to music.
Tom Jones
Pool-Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty ImagesSir Tom was knighted in 2006. He was previously honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999.
Bono
ShowBizIreland/Getty ImagesBorn Paul Hewson, Bono received an Honorary Knighthood in 2007 for his contributions to music and for his years of humanitarian work. Since he is not a British citizen, Bono cannot be called “Sir.”
Van Morrison
Yui Mok - WPA Pool /Getty ImagesMorrison was knighted in 2016 for his contributions to music. While Irish, Morrison is from Belfast, Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K. Thus, he may be called “Sir.”
Ray Davies
John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesSir Ray was knighted in 2017 for his services to the arts.
Ringo Starr
John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesSir Ringo was knighted in 2018. In 1965, he and the rest of the Beatles received Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honors.
