B.B. King, born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, stands as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, often referred to as "The King of the Blues." King's enduring legacy is defined by his soulful, expressive singing and his virtuosic guitar playing, characterized by a fluttering vibrato and shimmering single-note solos that have become the defining sound of blues guitar. His beloved guitar, lovingly named Lucille, was the conduit for King's storytelling, channeling the pains and joys of life into music that touched hearts worldwide.

King's career spanned over six decades, during which he accumulated a vast discography that includes classics like "The Thrill Is Gone" and "Every Day I Have the Blues." He maintained a relentless touring schedule well into his 70s and 80s, earning him the affectionate nickname "the hardest-working man in show business." His later releases such as "Live At Royal Albert Hall 2011" demonstrated that his fiery passion for the blues burned bright even in his later years. B.B. King passed away on May 14, 2015, but his music lives on as a cornerstone of the blues genre, influencing countless guitarists and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American music. His work has been immortalized in numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards and the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Genres

Blues

Blues Rock

Classic Rock

Electric Blues

Jazz Blues

Soul

Soul Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Eric Clapton

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Buddy Guy

Muddy Waters

Albert King

John Lee Hooker

Howlin' Wolf

Freddie King

Etta James

T-Bone Walker

Joe Bonamassa

Robert Cray

Latest Release

Blue Notes – A Blues Survey from 1920-1960, vol. 5

B.B. King•

Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee•

Big Bill Broonzy

Single - Released April 26, 2024