Robert Plant.
I always knew that Robert Plant was an aristocrat among rock stars. Now, it’s official. Plant was honored today as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, according to Reuters News. I thought he’d been knighted, but not so. See third comment below. He can’t be called “Sir,” either, but if Elton John can be called “Sir,” certainly Robert can!
The Queen also granted awards to British fantasy writer Terry Pratchett and members of Britain‘s Beijing Olympics team, including a knighthood for triple cycling gold medallist Chris Hoy, Britain’s most successful Olympian at a single game in a century.
Plant, 60, is most famous for being the lead singer of rock band Led Zeppelin in the 1970s. I was lucky enough to see Led Zeppelin in 1970.
Plant has forged a successful career since Led Zeppelin‘s disbanded in 1980. He reunited with surviving band members a couple of times for fund-raisers, including once in 2007. Plant recently collaborated with singer Alison Krauss on the celebrated album “Raising Sand.” I saw Plant and Krauss when they toured this year. They were fantastic! To find links to my posts about Plant, Krauss and Led Zeppelin, see below. Click on the post headlines to see the photos, if they don’t appear at first.
Led Zeppelin in 1969 at the beginning of the band's career.
The CBE honors are bestowed in the name of Queen Elizabeth II and are recommended by a panel that considers suggestions from British government departments and political parties as well as from members of the public, according to Reuters.
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant
Robert Plant’s official webpage.
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is explained here.
Catherine Sherman 
Robert Plant for New Year’s Eve, how appropriate!I listened to his music the entire time of my first pregnancy and that child loves his music. He is a poet at heart, Sir Robert that is.
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The Queen is proving she’s in step with popular culture, and her people… a good start for the new year. Have a wonderful 2009, Cathy, may it be a year of music, movies, and fantastic reading!
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Actually, the CBE is two steps below a knighthood. He cannot be called “Sir”, but he can add “CBE” after his name. But it’s still a well deserved honor!
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All the best of wishes and thoughts for 2009 Cathy – and may it rock for you!
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I am looking forward to his new works with Alison Krauss – I saw them on Sunday Morning and the music sounded lovely. How inspiring to know that at any age you can re-invent yourself.
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He is certainly a ‘Sir’ of R&R for Zepp admirators!
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What service did he perform for the crown (help to brainwash the masses)??? John Lennon gave his M.B.E. (entry level) back, one of the many reasons I will always have an immense respect for him. This makes me like L.Z. quite a bit less. :¬(
~Whole Lotta Less Love now, huh? 😉 Cathy
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I have it on good authority that being made a Commander entails a fair amount of work and they don’t get a salary! I’m glad I’ve avoided particular fate so far!
Truth be told, there is a lot more Alison Krauss than Robert Plant in my CD collection. That’s a rare inversion but it does happen.
Thanks to your tip, I searched ’em up on YouTube and found this. Very nice!
Thanks for posting this video. I was lucky to see Allison Krauss and Robert Plant perform this in person at Starlight Theater in Kansas City, Missouri. And, of course, I have this CD as well as anything Robert Plant ever produced, except The Honeydrippers. I need to find that! Cathy
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I never got to see Zeppelin. I did get to see Plant with the, “Honeydrippers”.
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