Blues legend BB King is to receive America's highest civilian honour by President George W. Bush.

The musician will be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House on December 15.

King, 81, told the BBC, "It's been a long journey, but I've enjoyed every minute of it, bringing the blues to so many enthusiastic audiences."

George W. Bush also commented on the musician, saying: "For more than half a century, the King of the Blues and his guitar Lucille have thrilled audiences."

He went on to say that King had "influenced generations of guitarists" and "helped give the blues its special place in the American musical tradition."