The 2017 Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame announced it’s upcoming nominees a few weeks ago, and it reminded us of two more honors a musician can receive. The first is that of ‘Sir’ bestowed by the UK’s royal family, and the second high honor is the US Presidential Medal of Freedom award, which is also given each year.
If you were to run into rocker Rod Stewart on the street or at the grocery store the correct acknowledgement would be ‘Good morning Sir Rod.’ Rod was just bestowed the UK’s highest civilian honor by being knighted this month, making us wonder who else has received such an honor? Check out the list below…
As mentioned above, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney (each Beatle, but John Lennon returned his honor in protest for political reasons), Elton John, Andre Previn, Shirley Bassey, Julie Andrews, Mick Jagger, Tom Jones, Van Morrison, Cliff Richard, David Bowie, Bob Geldof, 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: 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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