England’s Highest Honor to Our Favs

Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is considered one of the highest honors a musician can earn but having the word ‘Sir’ bestowed upon you by the Queen of England may be a close second. The other honor a rocker or singer might receive is the US Presidential Medal of Freedom award, which is also given each year.

As mentioned above, Rod Stewart, George Martin Beatle Manager, Bee Gees brothers, Barry and Robin Gib, Paul McCartney (each Beatle, but John Lennon returned his honor in protest for political reasons), Elton John, Andre Previn, Shirley Bassey, Julie Andrews, the Who’s Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, Queen’s Brian May, Mick Jagger, Tom Jones, Sting, Van Morrison, Cliff Richard, David Bowie, Bob Geldof, Annie Lennox, and Bono all received this honor in the past.

On our side of the pond, here are the singers that have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, our highest civilian honor: Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Pearl Bailey, Count Basie, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, B. B. King, Kate Smith, Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder and Barbra Streisand.

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