A Rock Band with Highest Honors
Among all of the achievements Led Zeppelin has accrued over their careers, these next few may be some of their most prestigious and humbling. They won multiple awards for their work in charity organizations and were honored for their influence on music. The first goes to the surviving members of the band. John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Page. On December 12th, 2012, the guys were at the Kennedy Center Honors for “lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.” President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were in attendance, and the president even had a few moments with the band to himself. The evening also had a moving performance from the band Heart and their cover of “Stairway to Heaven”.
Individually, the band members also received high praise for their work in the world community. Jimmy Page was recognized multiple times throughout his career for achievement, but one charity stands out the most was to his work for underprivileged children in Brazil, rather than his music career. Page first discovered his interest in helping the unfortunate children in Brazil, where he and his wife started the Task Brazil charity. This charity helps underprivileged children in Brazil where they live in Casa de Jimi, a home built by Jimmy himself, where the children can seek shelter, be fed, and help get back on their feet through foster care or adoption. For his work and dedication to this region, Jimmy Page was awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire from the Queen in 2005.
In 2009, Robert would also be honored and awarded the title Commander of the British Empire, for his contributions to British culture and fundraising efforts. This particular honor is generally rewarded to people who exhibit contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service outside the Civil Services. It is bestowed upon the recipient by The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a British order of chivalry. To really add to the prestige of the title, the ceremony was performed by the Prince of Wales.
