It has been announced that Paul McCartney will receive France’s Legion of Honor Award from president Francois Hollande on September 8.
Paul McCartney photo by Karen Freedman
It is the second time a veteran artist has been named to a high award in France this week, with James Taylor being given the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.
The National Order of the Legion of Honor is the highest award given by the French government and was originated in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. There are five degrees, Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross. McCartney will become an Officer.
Not only doesn’t the honour come with a monetary award, but the honourees are required to buy their physical award from a licensed jeweler for up to $1,000.
Music artists who have previously received the award include Ravi Shankar (2000), Quincy Jones (2001), Shirley Bassey (2003) and Wynton Marsalis (2009).
