Band to be honoured for their contribution to American culture.
The Who are among a host of stars set to receive a Kennedy Center Honour this winter.
Along with Barbara Streisand, actor Morgan Freeman and choreographer Twyla Tharp, rockers Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry will collect the award at a ceremony on December 7th.
The band will be rewarded for their contribution to American culture and will receive the gong from Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of former president John F Kennedy.
In a statement, Stephen A Schwarzman, president of the organisation, said the rockers have made a big impact on music.
"As the heart and soul of the seminal band The Who, songwriters and singers Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey transformed the sights and sounds of rock and roll," he stated.
President George W Bush and his wife Laura will attend the events as will secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.
The Who were previously known as the Detours but changed their name in 1964.
