Ongoing History Daily: The French LOVE Iggy Pop

October 22, 2025 Alan Cross 0 Comments 0 min read

You gotta love the French. France’s Ministry of Culture has an award called an “Officer or Arts and Letters.” The French government gives this thing to deserving artists from around the world. This is where all those jokes about Jerry Lewis being big in Frances come from. He was made an officer years ago for his contributions to culture.

But he’s far from the only American to be honored in such a way. There are actors Mickey Rourke, Sylvester Stallone, and Jackie Chan. And back in 2003, the French government saw fit to give the same award to the godfather of punk, Iggy Pop.

He now holds the official title of Commander of Arts and Letters in France. Good for him.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 41187 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross