The late musician has been honoured posthumously for service to the performing arts, particularly through music, following his unexpected death on May 24, 2018. 

It was announced on Monday in the Queen's Birthday 2018 Honours List. 

Emmanuel spent his childhood years in Gunnedah and formed bands with his siblings Chris, Tommy and Virginia called The Emmanuel Quartet and later The Midget Surferies. 

Over his lifetime, Emmanuel performed alongside a range of musicians and bands including Carlos Santana, America, Eric Clapton, Hank B Marvin, James Morrison, Lee Kernaghan, Slim Dusty, Midnight Oil and Jimmy Barnes.

Emmanuel released five albums and was involved in many musical projects, including Goldrush and Emmanuel Brothers Band.

His brother Tommy Emmanuel posted a moving comment about Philip on his own Facebook page on May 26:

“I won't be able to look into those green eyes again or hear that wicked laugh. He taught me so much right from the start,, showed me how to recognize song keys, chords, harmonies, how to get a sound that worked, how to stay out of the way on stage and when to step forward when I had something to say, musically or otherwise. We spent so many years traveling, playing shows, setting up, packing up, sleeping in little cheap motels and pubs, all because we loved to entertain people and have fun. We shared everything, and he taught me about kindness, giving, listening, how to love people as they are.

He was a walking contradiction, and a dreamer, but mostly, a loving kind, concerned brother... to be continued.... xx TE”

Emmanuel was inducted into the Roll of Renown, Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Hands of Fame, Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1991.