B. B. King

B. B. King (September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015) was an American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending, shimmering vibrato, and staccato picking that influenced many later electric blues guitarists. He was known as "The King of the Blues" and is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning him the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Early Life

Born Riley B. King in Berclair, Mississippi, he was raised by his grandmother after his parents separated and his mother died. King's early life was marked by hardship, but he found solace in music, singing in the church choir and learning guitar. He cited T-Bone Walker, Lonnie Johnson, and Sonny Boy Williamson II as major influences.

Career

King's professional music career began in the 1940s, playing on street corners for dimes. He soon moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he refined his style and began performing on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio program on KWEM. His first recording contract was with RPM Records in 1949, leading to a series of hits, including "3 O'Clock Blues," which reached number one on the R&B charts.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, King toured extensively, performing an average of 342 shows a year. His relentless touring schedule earned him the nickname "Beale Street Blues Boy," later shortened to "B.B." King's mainstream breakthrough came with the 1969 live album "Live at the Regal," which is widely regarded as one of the greatest blues albums of all time.

King's influence extended beyond blues to rock and roll, collaborating with artists like Eric Clapton, U2, and The Rolling Stones. His signature guitar, named "Lucille," became as iconic as the musician himself.

Legacy

King's contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He remained active in his later years, performing until his health declined in 2014.

B. B. King passed away in his sleep on May 14, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His death marked the end of an era for the blues but left a legacy that continues to inspire musicians around the world.

Discography

• Singin' the Blues (1956)
• Live at the Regal (1965)
• Completely Well (1969), featuring "The Thrill Is Gone"
• Live in Cook County Jail (1971)

See Also

• Blues music
• Electric guitar
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame