Liz Mitchell, the original lead singer of the disco group Boney M, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list for her contributions to music and charity. Mitchell, 71, expressed her surprise and gratitude, especially given the recent passing of her father, Norman Mitchell, who received an MBE in 2014 for his charitable work.
Norman Mitchell, a part of the Windrush generation, founded the West Indian Senior Citizen Organisation in 1980 and celebrated his 100th birthday in 2021. He passed away recently, making the honour particularly poignant for his daughter. Liz Mitchell was born in Jamaica and moved to London at age 11. She later performed in the German cast of "Hair" and with the Les Humphries Singers before joining Boney M in 1976.
Boney M, created by German record producer Frank Farian, included Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams, and Bobby Farrell alongside Mitchell. The group sold over 150 million records globally during their decade-long career, achieving hits like "Daddy Cool," "Rasputin," and "Rivers of Babylon/Brown Girl In The Ring."
Mitchell also highlighted her continued charitable work, including founding the Let It Be foundation in 1989, inspired by her father's legacy of community service.