Stevie Wonder Receives France's Top Cultural Honor - 30 years later

Singer Charles Aznavour, left, awards Stevie Wonder at the 25th Victoires de la Musique.

AP/Thibault Cambus

 

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In 1981 France awarded Stevie Wonder with their Order of Arts and Letters, one of the highest honors in French culture.

Wonder, however, didn’t pick up the award until last Saturday March 6 due to scheduling conflicts.

Literally, Wonder reportedly has a incredibly busy schedule, and since he was in Paris to receive a lifetime achievement prize and to perform, he managed to make time to take France’s award to him offered almost 30 years ago.

The honor has also been bestowed upon Bob Dylan, Marcel Marceau and TS Eliot in the past.

The Order of Arts and Letters was established in 1957 and celebrates those who have made significant artistic contributions not only in France but in the world as well.

After receiving the award, Wonder spoke in French to the audience stating, "I came with my mother," he said referring to the year 1964. He also dedicated the national award to her and “to all those who made it possible for me to stand here today.”

Receiving both the lifetime achievement award and the Order of Arts and Letters honor in one day was an incredible experience for Wonder. "All this in one day, it's almost too much for me. I'm breathless," Wonder commented.

Wonder also touched on the matter of President Obama's push to improve healthcare for tens of millions of uninsured citizens, referencing the fact that France has the system the President wants in the United States. "I'm very encouraged you have it here, in this country," he said. "Don't change."