December 31, 2008

By By Mark Sutherland, London

Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant is the latest rocker to be honored by the Queen in her traditional New Year Honors List.

Plant, currently enjoying success with his "Raising Sand" collaboration with Alison Krauss, is made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to music.

Jazz musician Courtney Pine also picks up a CBE for services to jazz music, while singer-songwriter John Martyn is made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to music.

The Queen hands out the accolades to individuals each year to reward excellence across the various sectors of British industry and culture.

Classical musicians honored include orchestral conductor Owain Arwel Hughes (CBE), concert pianist/conductor Howard Shelley (OBE) and opera singer Michael Chance (CBE).

Jenny Abramsky, the former director of BBC audio and music, is made a Dame -- the female equivalent of a knighthood -- while Andy Heath, chairman of music industry lobbying group UK Music and a director of Beggars Group, is made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to the music publishing industry.

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