Famous Musicians Who Were Knighted (And Those Who Turned Down The Honor)

After selling millions of records and winning countless awards, what comes next for the world’s most iconic musicians? Royalty status, of course. Every so often, the British Empire bestows the honor of knighthood on beloved musicians who have positively impacted society. While there are several different types of “knights” within the “Most Excellent Order of the British Empire,” most male musicians are typically made Knights (KT) or Knights of the British Empire (KBE). Some women have also been given the honor and they are made Dames of the British Empire (DEB). Non-Brits also are eligible to receive honorary knighthoods but cannot add the “Sir” or “Dame” title before their names. Many musicians have also received these honors which include being made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) or Officer of the British Empire (OBE).

Here is a list of famous musicians who have been knighted, as well as those who have refused the honor altogether.

Annie Lennox Was Presented An Order Of The British Empire Medal By The Queen

Annie Lennox is likely on her way to becoming a Dame, as she has already been awarded one of the precursor knighthood honors. In 2010, she was given the honor of receiving an Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal by Queen Elizabeth II. In addition to Annie’s lengthy work with the band Eurythmics (“Sweet Dreams,” anyone?), she has donated much of her time to charity work in support of various AIDS foundations. Upon receiving the medal Annie said, “I’m genuinely honored. As somewhat of a renegade, it either means I’ve done something terribly right — or they’ve done something terribly wrong…In any case, whatever powers-that-be have deemed me worthy of such a recognition, I’m getting my fake leopard pillbox hat dusted and ready for a meeting with the Queen.”