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Coffee Break

Coffee Break: Most Excellent

Queen Elizabeth II meets Sir Paul McCartney (L) and Annie Lennox (C) backstage after the Diamond Jubilee, Buckingham Palace Concert, on June 4, 2012 in London.
Queen Elizabeth II meets Sir Paul McCartney (L) and Annie Lennox (C) backstage after the Diamond Jubilee, Buckingham Palace Concert, on June 4, 2012 in London.Dave Thompson/Getty Images

by Jill Riley and Nilufer Arsala

February 24, 2025

On February 24, 1998, Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, making him Sir Elton John. While being knighted (or becoming a Dame) is huge praise for any artist, there are many levels of recognition when it comes to being honored.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry with five levels. In descending order, they are Knight and Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight and Dame Commander (KBE and DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE). Through the years, many artists have received the distinction at some level. From Adele and Bono to Dusty Springfield and Sir Elton himself, let’s highlight just some of these artists with a “most excellent” playlist.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what artists who have received honorary titles from the British Monarchy would you like to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Shirley Bassey- Goldfinger
Eurythmics- Here Comes the Rain Again
Elton John- Levon
The Boomtown Rats- Lookin' After No. 1
Dusty Springfield- I Only Want To Be With You
Kate Bush- Hounds of Love
The Beatles- Get Back