The Kennedy Center annually awards figures from the world of arts for their contribution to US culture.

As the President introduced the singer at the event yesterday, he said: "I'm the president but he's the boss."

Springsteen said: "We worked really hard for our music to be part of American life and our fans' lives.

"So it's an acknowledgement that you've kind of threaded your way into the culture in a certain way. It's satisfying."

Artists including John Mellencamp and Sting all sang Springsteen tracks at the event.

Also honoured yesterday was actor Robert De Niro, comic Mel Brooks, jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck and opera singer Grace Bumbry.

Guests included Jack Black, Edward Norton, Matthew Broderick, Ben Stiller and Martin Scorsese.

Jack Black paid tribute to Brooks with a rendition of Men in Tights and Harry Connick Jr sang High Anxiety.

Last year's honours went to Morgan Freeman, The Who stars Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, as well as singer Barbra Streisand.