On April 28, 2017, Detroit-bred techno music pioneer Jeff Mills was decorated as an Officer of France’s Order of Arts and Letters by ex-minister of Culture Jack Lang, at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris.

This title is given to those whose work has greatly enriched French culture. In 2007, Jeff Mills had already been decorated as a Knight of France’s Order of Arts and Letters, the lowest of three rankings, before being promoted this year as an Officer, the second-highest honor that an artist can receive for enriching French culture.

Following French techno DJ and producer Laurent Garnier decorated with the Legion of Honour in January 2017, Jeff Mill’s decoration shows recognition for techno music in general. In his speech, Jeff Mills was very grateful to France for being the first country to honor him with an official distinction.