Introduction to B.B. King
Known as the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King rose from humble beginnings as a disc jockey in Memphis to international fame as one of the greatest blues and R&B guitarists. His iconic tracks, including “The Thrill Is Gone,” left an indelible mark on the world of music.
The Early Life and Career of B.B. King
Riley B. King, famously known as B.B. King, was born on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, into a sharecropping family. After serving in World War II, King returned to the U.S. and began his career as a disc jockey in Memphis, Tennessee. It was here that he earned the nickname “the Beale Street Blues Boy,” which was eventually shortened to “B.B.” His first recording came in 1949, marking the beginning of a prolific career that spanned decades. King became known for his distinctive style that blended blues, jazz, and R&B, earning him the title “King of the Blues.”
The Birth of Lucille: King’s Famous Guitar
In 1949, the same year he made his first recording, B.B. King also named his beloved guitar. The story behind the name “Lucille” is as legendary as the man himself. While performing at a dance in Twist, Arkansas, a fight broke out, causing a barrel of kerosene to tip over and ignite a fire. King rushed out of the venue but quickly realized he had left his guitar behind. Risking his life, he went back into the burning building to retrieve it. Later, King discovered the fight that started the fire was over a woman named Lucille. To remind himself never to act so recklessly again, he named his guitar after her.
The Rise of a Blues Legend
B.B. King’s career reached new heights in 1962 when he signed with ABC Records. His 1965 album Live at the Regal is considered a milestone in blues music. His most famous hit, “The Thrill Is Gone,” released in 1969, propelled him into the mainstream, making him the first blues artist to achieve widespread pop success. In 1979, King became the first bluesman to tour the Soviet Union, further solidifying his international reputation.
Collaborations and Accolades
Over the years, B.B. King collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Van Morrison, and Bonnie Raitt. His influence crossed musical genres, and his talent earned him countless accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2006, King received the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album for his duets album 80, one of many Grammys he won throughout his career.
Honoring a Musical Icon
B.B. King’s legacy extends beyond his music. In 2008, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center opened in Indianola, Mississippi, dedicated to preserving his music and the history of the Mississippi Delta. That same year, King released the critically acclaimed album One Kind Favor, which earned him his 15th Grammy Award.
The Final Years of B.B. King
Even into his 70s and 80s, B.B. King continued to perform more than 250 concerts a year, though his health began to decline. Concerns about his well-being surfaced after a shaky performance in 2014, leading to speculation that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Despite these challenges, King remained dedicated to his music, performing with his signature guitar, “Lucille,” until the end.
B.B. King passed away in his sleep on May 14, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 89. His death was not without controversy; shortly after, his daughters alleged that he had been poisoned, but these claims were dismissed by King’s estate as unfounded.
A Legacy That Lives On
Following his death, thousands of fans paid their respects during a funeral procession on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, a fitting tribute to the man who brought the blues to the world. B.B. King was laid to rest in Indianola, Mississippi, the place where his journey began.
Key Facts About B.B. King
- Full Name: Riley B. King
- Born: September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, USA
- Died: May 14, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Known For: Pioneering blues guitarist and singer; “The Thrill Is Gone”
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar (Lucille)
- Accolades: 15 Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee
- Legacy: The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Mississippi
B.B. King’s contributions to music are immeasurable. His influence on blues and rock guitarists is profound, and his music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans worldwide.