Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues is now one step short of becoming a Knight in White Satin after being awarded the OBE by King Charles III.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was first awarded in 1917 by King George V.

In a statement Justin Hayward said, “I was honoured to receive my OBE medal from His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle today. He is extremely knowledgeable and kind, and it has been a truly unforgettable day.”

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Justin Hayward has received another honor reflecting the impact of half a century of thought-provoking music-making. The Moody Blues legend was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his longstanding contribution to the arts by King Charles III at the July 11, 2023 Investitures ceremony at Windsor Castle. Hayward’s grandson Cassius joined him for the special day.

The Order of the British Empire

The Order of the British Empire dates back to 1917 when George V honored individuals for their outstanding contribution to the war effort. Today, awards are also given to recognize the extraordinary impact of those in other fields. Hayward was struck by the affection, ambience, sensitivity and the flawless execution of the ceremony that followed over a century of tradition.

“There were maybe more than a hundred of us that day receiving honors of one kind or another, and some receiving knighthoods as well, but I have to say that every, every part of it was so immaculate,” he said in a recent interview. Growing up in the same generation as King Charles made the event especially meaningful for the rocker who didn’t reveal conversation details but acknowledged that both knew of the other’s work. Of course they did.

Rock And Roll Royalty

The Moody Blues, formed in 1964, quickly became rock royalty in Britain and the United States in the ’60s and ’70s, laying a soundtrack that would change music history. Hayward and John Lodge joined Ray Thomas, Mike Pinder, and Graeme Edge in 1966 after the exit of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick, forming the lineup that would produce such hits as “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon.” The Moody Blues would go on to sell over 70 million albums worldwide, helping to “usher in the rock-album era.”

“Nights in White Satin,” written and composed by Hayward who is featured on lead vocals, would become the band’s most successful U.S. single, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 8, 1972 and spending 18 weeks on the charts, peaking at #2 on November 4, 1972. It would also become one of the group’s most recognizable hits.