Paul McCartney speculated about the many possibilities for a man or woman at age 64 (by that time, he was knighted). Marianne Faithfull, now 64, has received a similar honor across the channel. This week, Frédéric Mitterand (pop quiz! Who is he?*) made dear old Marianne Commandeur de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Commander of the Arts and Letters, in case you couldn’t guess — the highest award in the Order). In a day, she joined the ranks of Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sir Michael Caine, all recipients of the award for their contribution to — well, French culture, and specifically, “the enrichment of the French cultural inheritance.”
Marianne Faithfull has certainly done a lot for the French since arriving in 64 and singing for Godard in 66. Just recently, she released Horses & High Heels, her umpteenth album — proving that she and Mick Jagger must indeed have a competition going for most active rocker over 50.
We at TMT are overjoyed for Marianne Faithfull. Check out the sweet pendant she gets to wear (click on “Ordre des Arts et Lettres)!
* French Minister of Culture and Communication… come on, guys!
• Marianne Faithfull: http://www.mariannefaithfull.org.uk
