MUMBAI: Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is on course to receive France’s highest civilian honour. The counter culture icon’s nomination for the prestigious Legion d’Honneur was reportedly thrown out because of his history of smoking marijuana and his anti-war stance and opposition to the Vietnam War.
The green light given by the Legion d’Honneur’s council means France’s minister of culture may soon decorate Dylan – with the five-pointed star of the top “Chevalier” order, report said.
The 17-member council which determines whether nominations put forward by government ministers confirmed Dylan’s nomination. Grand chancellor, Jean-Louis Georgelin, who stamped his approval said Dylan is an “exceptional artist” known in the United States and internationally as a “tremendous singer and great poet”.
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Culture Minister Aurelie Filipetti had nominated Dylan – who in 1990 was given a lower rank of the award – for the highest “Chevalier” distinction.
Dylan, who wrote generational anthems like ‘Blowing in the Wind’, ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ and ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ will join other luminaries like Britain’s Paul McCartney and France’s Charles Aznavour to be so honoured.
The singer was awarded the top civilian honour in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in May 2012.
