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.

For musical people, the “Your Song” hitmaker has been awarded with the Companion of Honour, the highest acknowledgement in the list. Over five decades, John has exceptionally carved out his career in which he has sold more than 300 million records globally and contributed to 23 charities, one of which is The Elton John AIDS Foundation.

John took to his Twitter, expressing how he is “humbled and honoured” to be regarded with such prestigious accolade. The tweet can be seen below.

I’m humbled and honoured to be among such highly esteemed company in receiving the Companion of Honour.

2019 has turned out to be a truly wonderful year for me and I feel extraordinarily blessed.

Elton xx pic.twitter.com/iam3EItGYH

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 27, 2019

Another medalwinner from the musical world is Roger Taylor, the drummer of legendary rock & roll band Queen. The 70-year-old drummer is awarded with Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) because of his contributions to AIDS awareness and The Queen musical We Will Rock You.

Snow Patrol’s lead singer Gary Lightbody also receives an OBE for his service to music and charity. He is among almost 100 people from Northern Ireland who are allocated with the awards. The Lightbody Foundation is one of the artist’s charitable works. The foundation aims to make donations for people, especially the youth, with special educational needs and mental health in Northern Ireland.

The New Year Honours is a part of the British Honours system. At the end of each year, announced are the names of citizens from some of 16 Commonwealth Realms who have done remarkable work in various fields. These people will be honoured with awards in many categories from The Queen.