Dame Shirley told PA News, “Receiving the Order of the Companions of Honour is just one of the most wonderful feelings. Music has always been a constant companion throughout my life. As a young girl growing up in Tiger Bay, I would dream of exploring the world, never imagining that my voice would lead me to where I am today. Every step of my career has been about taking risks, believing in myself, and seizing opportunities.” She further added, “Singing is my passion, and performing brings me immense joy. Entertaining audiences for over 70 years has been an absolute privilege. My heart is filled with emotions, and I am truly humbled.”

Born as the youngest of seven children in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, Dame Shirley initially worked in a factory’s wrapping and packing department while performing at working men’s clubs on weekends. After touring the UK in various revues and variety shows, she achieved her first major success in 1957 with the calypso-style hit, “Banana Boat Song.” In January 1959, she became the first Welsh singer to top the charts with her single “As I Love You” from the album ‘The Bewitching Miss Bassey.’

Throughout her career, she has achieved numerous milestones, including being the first recipient of the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in 1977 and receiving the Freedom of the City of Cardiff. Her success has been unparalleled, with her records spending more time in the UK charts than any other British female artist. Between 1961 and 1991, she had an impressive 29 albums registered as best sellers. In 1964, she gained international fame with the iconic James Bond theme song, “Goldfinger,” and went on to record the theme songs for “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Moonraker.” In 1997, she achieved another notable hit with the Propellerheads and “History Repeating.”

She became the first female music artist to receive a dedicated stamp issue, marking a significant milestone in her career. The stamps showcased various iconic moments in her musical journey, including her performances at renowned venues and events. These included her captivating performance at the Pigalle nightclub in 1965, her memorable appearance in Bournemouth in 1974, and her electrifying presence at the BBC Electric Proms in 2009. Additionally, the stamps highlighted her powerful rendition of “World In Union” alongside Bryn Terfel during the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup in 1999, as well as her enchanting performance at the Oscars in 2013.

Furthermore, this powerful and sultry performer paid tribute to her extraordinary talent by releasing a limited-edition series of coins. These coins featured a design that showcased her name and silhouette, capturing her iconic arms-outstretched pose. The coin also honoured her connection to her roots with a depiction of the Welsh dragon, while the names of her three James Bond theme tunes were elegantly embossed on the coin’s surface. This commemorative coin serves as a timeless tribute to her remarkable contributions to the world of music.

Alongside racing driver Lewis Hamilton, actresses Nina Wadia and Lesley Manville, cinematographer Roger Deakins, and many others to receive the prestigious Order of the British Empire this year, Craig David was awarded an MBE (Member) and Colin Lester an OBE (Officer) for their outstanding contribution to the world of music. Lester himself was amongst the first people to congratulate David, proudly stating: “This is a remarkable achievement and so deserved – I am honoured not only to work with Craig but to also call him an amazing friend and confidante“.

I am so proud and thrilled that @craigdavid has been Honoured with an MBE in recognition of his incredible contribution to music. This is a remarkable achievement and so deserved – I am honoured not only to work with Craig but to also call him an amazing friend and confidante. pic.twitter.com/QaTFihKkJD

— Colin Lester (@ColinLester) December 30, 2020

Discovered and signed by Colin Lester to his label Wildstar, Craig David recently celebrated 20 years since the release of his critically acclaimed debut album Born To Do It on 14 August 2000. The album currently holds a 6-time platinum status in the UK and ended at #35 at the decade-end Official Album Chart in the UK (2000-2009). It set the beginning of a productive partnership and long-lasting friendship between the two, and kickstarted the singer’s sucessful career who went on to release 20 UK Top 40 singles and seven chart breaking albums.

Colin Lester has spent his entire career as artist manager of some of the most prolific music acts to emerge in the UK scene in the last few decades. Originally involved with Wildlife Entertainment, followed by Wildstar Records and most recently founding JEM Music in 2015, Lester is associated with the likes of the Brand New Heavies, Travis, Arctic Monkeys, Craig David, and many more. Additionally, he is on the board of trustees of the MOBO Charity and is connected to The ’45 Aid Society.

Alongside all of his artists’ achievements and sucessful record sales, Colin Lester has been awarded with many other prestigous awards, including “‘The Peter Grant Award’ for outstanding achievement from the UK’s Music Managers Forum (MMF) in 2002, the Gold Badge Award’ by BASCA (The British Academy of Songwriters , Composers and Authors’) for his work with UK songwriters in 2007 and the ‘Artist Loyalty Award’ for his longstanding relationship with Craig David at the 2016 A&R awards.” Craig David immediately returned the favour and congratulated his “manager, friend and business partner” for receiving the honourary OBE. 

Congratulations to my Manager, friend and business partner for being awarded an OBE for services to the music industry and charity, in the Queens New Year Honours list. I’m so happy for you @ColinLester ! xxx pic.twitter.com/tJYHRfqsti — Craig David (@CraigDavid) December 30, 2020

Late last evening, MusicWeek shared the full list of musicians and industry professionals to also receive the honour alongside David and Lester. Apache Indian and Yasin El Ashrafi received an MBE for outstanding services to young people, music and mentoring. Other recepients include conductors Jane Glover, Daniel Harding and Wayne Marshall, director Graham Vick, composer Julian Anderson, pianist Barry Douglas, cellist Natalie Clein, as well as Wasfi Kani from Grange Park Opera, Nigel Newton from Bloomsbury Publishing and also John Kirkpatrick for services to folk music.

Last year, Queen’s legendary drummer Roger Taylor was awarded the OBE in the New Year Honours of 2019.

The list rewards a number of public figures from the worlds of art and sport, but it also rewards people who give back to their communities. This New Year Honours list was drawn up and approved during Theresa May’s premiership and sees rewards going to a line-up of well-known figures, but 72% of the 1,097 to be recognised were people who work in their communities.

Queen drummer Roger Taylor has been awarded an OBE for services to music #NewYearHonours pic.twitter.com/lXFbAZtVB0

— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) December 27, 2019

 Taylor’s friend and Queen guitarist, Brain May took to Instagram to congratulate his lifelong friend and bandmate on his OBE. Taking to Instagram, May said: “Congratulations Rog OBE !!! What does OBE mean ? Well, for all you non-Brits, let me explain. The letters stand for Order of the British Empire – a traditional honour presented to people who have achieved worthy things in the eyes of … well, the British Monarchy, under advice.

“It’s the beginning of a whole spectrum of honours. Next one up is the MBE – Member of the British Empire – and above that is the CBE – Commander of the British Empire. The next level of the game is a KBE – a Knighthood – which entitles the recipient to be known as Sir.”

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Congratulations Rog OBE !!! What does OBE mean ? Well, for all you non-Brits, let me explain. The letters stand for “Order of the British Empire” – a traditional honour presented to people who have achieved worthy things in the eyes of … well, the British Monarchy, under advice. It’s the beginning of a whole spectrum of honours. Next one up is the MBE – “Member of the British Empire” – and above that is the CBE – “Commander of the British Empire”. The next level of the game is a KBE – a Knighthood – which entitles the recipient to be known as “Sir”. I received a CBE some years ago. It doesn’t change your life very much apart from giving you some letters to put after your name in correspondence ! The award which really moves you to a different place in Society is when they make you a LORD – which entitles you (or requires you) to sit in the a House of Lords, participating in the passing of British laws and policies. So there ya go ! Who decides these things ? Well, it’s all done quietly behind closed doors by a small committee – but most awards have been lobbied for, by friends and colleagues who feel the person deserves recognition. !!! @blueprintblues says the credit for this photo is Thilo Rahn, found by @dereones. Thanks Guys ! And thanks Thilo ! Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Dec 28, 2019 at 10:52am PST

The 72-year-old guitarist added: “I received a CBE some years ago. It doesn’t change your life very much apart from giving you some letters to put after your name in correspondence! The award which really moves you to a different place in Society is when they make you a LORD – which entitles you (or requires you) to sit in the a House of Lords, participating in the passing of British laws and policies.

“So there ya go ! Who decides these things? Well, it’s all done quietly behind closed doors by a small committee – but most awards have been lobbied for, by friends and colleagues who feel the person deserves recognition!!!”

The 70-year-old multi-instrumentalist, played drums in Smile, the precursor to Queen which was founded by Brian May, and helped write Queen’s number one songs ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’, ‘Innuendo’ and ‘Under Pressure’, as well as contributing to major hits such as ‘Radio Ga Ga’ and ‘A Kind Of Magic’.

In 1970, the same year Smile was revamped as Queen, Taylor turned down the chance to become drummer for Genesis, which gave way for Phil Collins to join instead. He was the first Queen member to go solo with his 1977 song ‘I Wanna Testify’, before releasing a string of albums.

Taylor is one of the only few living people to appear on a Royal Mail stamp, which caused quite the controversy in 1999. He was visible playing drums behind frontman Freddie Mercury in an image of the pair on stage, which was issued as part of a Great Britons series. At that point, it was understood that only members of the Royal Family were allowed to appear on stamps while still living.

Following Mercury’s death in 1991 of bronchial pneumonia, from the result of Aids, at the age of 45, Taylor began to promote awareness of the disease worldwide. In 2019 it was announced that he would help oversee the newly established Music Walk Of Fame in London’s Camden Town. Queen were famously depicted in last year’s Bohemian Rhapsody biopic, which set cinema box office records.

Meanwhile, Queen have launched a new app which allows fans to sing like Freddie Mercury. The app, entitled FreddieMeter, allow fans to choose one of four songs  – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘Somebody to Love’ or ‘We Are the Champions’ – and challenge friends. The app then shows users how closely their voice matches the late singer’s legendary range by analysing pitch, timbre, and melody to assign them a score from 0 to 100.

Can anyone match @Freddie_Mercury’s legendary voice? Queen & @YouTubeMusic are challenging fans to find out! Take on the #FreddieChallenge now → https://t.co/UGNRz9e7TX In support of @The_MPT you can donate here: https://t.co/P0E5Ub5Y8v pic.twitter.com/NDtu56Ofki — Queen (@QueenWillRock) November 14, 2019