Stevie Wonder honored in Paris

PARIS, March 6 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Stevie Wonder has been made a commander of the arts and letters by French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand, officials say.

The honor in Paris comes 30 years after Wonder was named to receive it, the BBC said. Wonder, 59, was named a commander in 1981, the report said, but scheduling conflicts delayed his formal decoration.

"I receive this honor in memory of my mother and in memory of all of those that have made it possible for me to stand here today," Wonder said, the BBC reported.

Wonder also was in Paris to perform and receive a lifetime achievement prize at France's biggest musical awards show.