What a pair

Today’s the first day of issue in the United States and France for a pair of postage stamps being issued to honor jazz great Miles Davis and French singer Edith Piaf.


In the U.S., the so-called Forever stamps are on sale for 45 cents apiece and come in a pane of 20 (10 Davis, 10 Piaf). Forever means they can be used for first class mail at anytime, even if/when the postage rates rise.

The U.S.-French connection for this issue makes a lot of sense. Piaf was one of the few French popular singers to become a household name in the U.S., while trumpeter Miles Davis is beloved in France, where he performed frequently and was made a Chevalier in the Legion of Honor.

First day of issue ceremonies for the U.S. stamps take place in New York.