Royal Birthday Recognitions: Roger Daltrey, Pamela McCormick of UD, Will Kennard, Stuart Worden, among others receive honors
Celebrating Music Legends: 2025 King's Birthday Honours
The 2025 King's Birthday Honours recognizes notable figures from the music industry.
Rocking His Way to Knighthood
Roger Daltrey, the charismatic lead vocalist of The Who, has been knighted for his services to music and charity. This prestigious honor marks 25 years since Daltrey founded the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs, raising over £36 million in that period. Despite stepping down as curator last year, Daltrey remains a steadfast patron for the charity.
"It's an incredible honor for me and Teenage Cancer Trust," said Daltrey, acknowledging the countless unsung heroes who have contributed to the charity's success.
Dame Elaine Paige Shines On
Singer, actor, and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Elaine Page received a Damehood in the King's Honours. Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, extended her congratulations, recognizing Paige's 60-year career in showbusiness.
Honoring Excellence in Music Education
Stuart Worden, longstanding principal of The BRIT School, was awarded the OBE for services to creative arts education, music, and the creative industries. His contributions, along with those of Will Kennard, the MBE-honored member of Chase & Status, highlight the importance of music education and talent development.
Tony Wadsworth, chair of the BRIT Trust, praised Worden's exceptional leadership, stating, "He is an inspirational educator and human being."
Recognizing Innovators and Visionaries
Pamela McCormick, CEO of UD, an East London music education and talent development initiative, received an MBE for her exceptional work. Her commitment to inclusivity and talent development has resonated throughout the music industry.
Lord Adebowale, UD's interim chair, lauded McCormick's achievements, stating, "She has built something extraordinary."
A Celebration of Diverse Talent
The 2025 King's Birthday Honours showcases the vast contributions of music industry figures across various regions, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Overseas, and New Zealand. These honors signify a collective appreciation for the diverse talent that continually enriches the music world.
Beyond these notable figures, Elizabeth Burrowes received a BEM for her services to music education in Africa[1]. Furthermore, the list includes Iain Grandage, Kirsten Williams, Bruce Rowland, the Iyer Brothers from Australia, and Wayne Robert Boyd from New Zealand[2][3][5].
- The honors, recognizing excellence in various realms of the music industry, have included Stuart Worden, who was awarded an OBE for his significant contributions to creative arts education, music, and the creative industries, highlighting the importance of music education and talent development.
- Beyond the notable figures knighted, damed, or honored within the UK, the 2025 King's Birthday Honours showcased a diverse array of talent from across the globe, such as Iain Grandage, Bruce Rowland, the Iyer Brothers from Australia, and Wayne Robert Boyd from New Zealand, who were all celebrated for their impact on music education and talent development in their respective regions.
