"Buddy Guy is the most important link between blues guitar and rock and roll," said HP Newquist, executive director of the museum. "The raw and aggressive style of playing he developed onstage and in studios directly influenced Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

"Only a handful of guitarists in history have had that kind of effect on guitar playing. We're honored to recognize Buddy's contribution to the guitar with this award."