A rocker, an astronaut and the inventor of the automatic teller machine were honored by Queen Elizabeth II in the New Year’s honors list.
Roger Daltrey of The Who and British-born U.S. astronaut Michael Foale were named Commanders of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE, Friday in the annual accolades for achievement in society, business, culture and sports.
Daltrey, 60, received his CBE for services to music, the entertainment industry and charity.
“I am so pleased. It is really great to be honored by my country,” said Daltrey, who also is a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Foale, who became the first Briton to walk in space in 1995 and completed a six-month stint on the international space station in April, was awarded his CBE for services to space exploration.
John Shepherd-Barron, who installed the world’s first automatic cash dispenser at a London bank in 1967, was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, for services to banking.
The honors are bestowed by the queen, but she chooses only a few. Most recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public.
Figures from the arts world included children’s illustrator Quentin Blake, who received a CBE. So did actress Anna Massey, pianist John Lill and playwrights Alan Plater and Simon Gray.
Ray Cooney, author of durable stage farces such as “Chase Me Comrade” and “Run for Your Wife,” received an OBE for services to drama. The same award went to Simon McBurney, artistic director of innovative stage company Theatre de Complicite, pop music producer Pete Waterman, “Full Monty” actor Tom Wilkinson and Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue.