Each year in the UK, a New Year’s Honors List is devised with people who have made a significant contribution in their industry awarded with an honor in the name of Britain’s Monarch. The British Cabinet Office publishes these lists twice a year; once just before New Year’s Eve and again on Queen Elizabeth’s official birthday, which is officially celebrated on a Saturday in June. Some of the names of those included in the New Year’s honors list have now been revealed.
The first name to come to light is Ringo Starr. He was the drummer of the famous rock group the ‘Beatles’. Paul McCartney, who was also a member of the ‘Beatles’, took to Twitter to congratulate his former bandmate on being awarded a knighthood. Along with his congratulatory message, he also shared a photo of the two of them together.
The list, which was revealed on Friday, December 29, also revealed that Barry Gibb will be a recipient of an award. Gibb is the oldest and only surviving member of the Bee Gees. This pop group consisted of Barry and his brothers Robin and Maurice. Like Ringo Starr, Barry Gibb will also receive a knighthood for his services to the music industry.
The process of choosing recipients for awards begins a long time before the ceremony. It starts with nominations from the public and the next part of the process is a specialist committee reviewing these nominations. They whittle down the list before the main honours committee reviews the suggestions. The official list of nominations is then sent to the prime minister for approval before they are bestowed by the queen and other senior royals.
It is little wonder that both Ringo Starr and Barry Gibb have made it onto this year’s honours list as they both have long and successful careers in the music and have both made substantial achievements and contributions.
Ringo Starr, whose real name is Richard Starkey, is a drummer, singer, songwriter, and actor who began his professional career in 1957. Although he is best-known as the drummer of the ‘Beatles’, he also provided lead vocals on many of their tracks, including ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’, ‘Act Naturally’, ‘Good Night’, and ‘Yellow Submarine’. Some of the songs he wrote or co-wrote for his group include ‘Flying’, ‘What Goes On’, ‘Octopus’s Garden’, and ‘Don’t Pass Me By’. Following his time with the ‘Beatles’, he went on to have a successful solo career.
Barry Gibb’s career in the music industry began in 1955. He has been listed as the second most successful songwriter in history after Sir Paul McCartney. This is not the first time that Gibb has been included on an honors list. In 2002, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honors. This was for services to music and entertainment. This year, he is being appointed a Knight Bachelor for services to music and charity. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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