Guitarist Tommy Emmanuel Receives Royal Honor

"I was humbled and honored to be awarded with the Order of Australia," said Emmanuel. "To be so recognized by my country for making music and for serving the young people of Australia is incredibly wonderful and deeply fulfilling."

The prestigious Order of Australia Award, established in 1975, is bestowed on Australian citizens for meritorious service in a particular area or field of activity. Emmanuel is cited for, "service to the music and entertainment industries as a guitarist, and to the community as a supporter of Kids Under Cover." Kids Under Cover is an Australian charitable organization working to build homes and provide scholarships for homeless and at risk young people.

The announcement of Emmanuel's Order of Australia medal was made June 14. Typically, investitures take place at various times in the recipient's state of residency or, as in Emmanuel's case, overseas by an Australian Ambassador. As Emmanuel's 2010 U.S. tour included a stop in Washington, DC, it presented an ideal opportunity to have Beazley preside over the investiture.