Aznavour, 'Frank Sinatra of France,' To Be Honored By Canada

Ottawa, Canada (AHN) - The "Frank Sinatra of France," Charles Aznavour, will be named an honorary officer of the Order of Canada on Saturday, a distinction reserved for non-Canadians.

Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean will make the presentation at the governor's residence in Quebec City. The 84-year-old singer is scheduled to perform Sunday in the Quebec capital to mark the city's 400th anniversary.

"This enduring legend has charmed audiences around the world; but first and foremost, he remains an ambassador of the French language," Jean's office said Friday in a statement.

Aznavour was born in Paris to Armenian parents. He began performing when he was nine. He has sold more than 100 million records and appeared in more than 60 films.

In 1998, CNN named Aznavour the century's outstanding performer, topping Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.