WORLD : France Honors Dizzy Gillespie

American band leader and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie got a warm welcome today as Culture Minister Jack Lang named him Commander of Arts and Letters, one of France’s most prestigious awards for excellence in the arts.

An all-star lineup of American jazz greats was on hand for the ceremonies in the gilded salons of the Culture Ministry, which was packed with fans.

Saxophone player Stan Getz, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bass player Percy Heath, pianist Hank Jones, singer Billy Eckstine, drummer Max Roach and saxophone players Jackie McLean and Phil Woods were made Officers of Arts and Letters.