The Who's Pete Townshend And Roger Daltrey will both be honoured at the Kennedy Centre Awards in December.

Singer Barbra Streisand and actor Morgan Freeman are also among this years winners.

The Kennedy Centre awards performers who have “redefined the way we see, hear and feel the performing arts.”

Kennedy Centre chairman Stephen Schwarzman said The Who's Daltrey and Townshend had “transformed the sights and sounds of rock and roll."

Townshend described the accolade as “a great thrill”, adding: “Since the Who began in the early '60s we have loved American music and audiences and have made deep and lasting friendships with everyone involved in the industry there.”

Singer Daltrey said he was "deeply touched" by the honour.

"The warmth and affection I feel from our US audience is humbling indeed," he added.

President George W Bush, who will be making one of his final public engagements, and US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice will honour the award winners on December 7th in Washington.

(by Jason Gregory)