WASHINGTON - Blues legend B.B. King will commemorate “Black Music Month,” as designated by Presidential proclamation, with a performance at the White House on Monday, June 26.

He’ll be joined by Patti Austin and Irvin Mayfield.

A number of guests, including President George W. Bush, will gather on the South Lawn for the event.

In a previous proclamation, President Bush noted, “For centuries, black artists have created or inspired distinctively American musical styles. During Black Music Month, we celebrate the ways that African-American music has helped shape American society and reflect the character of our Nation, and we recognize the pioneers who spearheaded these important musical forms.”

In 1947, King launched his professional career, leaving the Mississippi Delta and heading for Memphis, where he enjoyed some early successes, before going to become one of the world’s most beloved musicians.

Recently, the music legend celebrated an historic milestone, his 10,000th concert.

“It’s been a long journey, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, bringing the blues to so many enthusiastic audiences around the world.”

There are so many hits and albums, at least 50, that King stopped counting years ago.

In honor of his 80th birthday last September, King celebrated the occasion with a few of his musical compatriots on the new studio album of duets that won him a Grammy(r) in February.

Featuring some of today’s biggest stars — from Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer and Gloria Estefan to Roger Daltrey, Glenn Frey, Mark Knopfler, Billy Gibbons, Bobby Bland and Daryl Hall — B.B. King and Friends — 80 is yet another landmark in the career of one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th Century.

It was awarded a Grammy(r) in the “Best Traditional Blues Album” category, his 14th Grammy(r) nod.

His “Live at the Regal” album was also inducted this year into the Grammy(r) Hall of Fame.

“The thrill isn’t gone when you win an honor like this,” says King.

“In my lifetime, blues music has certainly grown in its universal appeal and I’m forever grateful for that.”

King has announced that a museum in his honor is to be built in his home state of Mississippi and the first phase of the $10 million B.B. King Museum opens next year in Indianola, near his hometown.

Among King’s many classics are “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Payin’ the Cost to Be the Boss,” “Everyday I Have the Blues,” “You Don’t Know Me” and “Why I Sing the Blues.”

Along the way, B. B. King has also received numerous awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of the Arts.