George Shearing and Sally Greene honoured
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Veteran pianist and composer George Shearing has been honoured by the Queen in the New Year’s Honours list with the composer of ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ becoming a knight for his services to music. The announcement came as something of a surprise as there has been speculation that Stan Tracey, who has just turned 80, would be honoured by the Queen. Shearing, who was born in Battersea, has lived in the States for many years.
Also included in the extensive list of award winners was Ronnie Scott’s proprietor Sally Greene who becomes an OBE. Credited with rescuing the Old Vic theatre from the threat of closure she oversaw the refurbishment of Ronnie’s this year but was awarded the OBE for services to drama.