B.B. King, also known as the King of the Blues, was one of the most influential and beloved musicians of the 20th century. His soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing helped define the blues genre, and his impact on popular music continues to be felt today. In this article, we’ll explore B.B. King’s biography and the life and legacy of B.B. King, and his contributions to the blues and music as a whole.
Early Life and Career
B.B. King was born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi. He grew up on a cotton plantation, and as a child, he worked in the fields picking cotton alongside his mother and grandmother. At nine, King’s mother left him and his siblings with their grandmother and never returned. King’s grandmother passed away soon after, leaving him and his siblings to fend for themselves.
Despite these early hardships, King found solace in music. He sang in the church choir and learned to play the guitar by listening to records by artists such as T-Bone Walker and Lonnie Johnson. In 1947, King moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he landed a job as a DJ on the radio station WDIA. During this time, he began performing live and developing his unique guitar style, which would become his trademark sound.
B.B. King’s biography shows his early recordings were released on the Bullet and RPM labels, and he scored his first hit in 1951 with “Three O’Clock Blues.” The song spent five weeks at the top of the R&B charts, establishing King as one of the rising blues stars.
The King of the Blues
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, King continued to release hit after hit, earning him the nickname “the King of the Blues.” His soulful vocals and searing guitar playing were unmatched, and he became a fixture on the R&B and pop charts. Some of his most beloved songs from this era include “Sweet Little Angel,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and “The Thrill Is Gone.”
B.B. King’s biography showshis popularity grew in the 1970s and 1980s, thanks in part to his electrifying live performances. He toured much throughout the United States and worldwide, playing to sold-out crowds and earning legions of devoted fans. His live album “Live at the Regal,” recorded in 1964, is considered one of the greatest blues albums ever.
In addition to his success as a musician, King was also a pioneering figure in the civil rights movement. He performed at benefit concerts for organizations such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was a vocal supporter of desegregation and racial equality.
Legacy and Influence
B.B. King’s impact on music cannot be overstated. His soulful vocals, masterful guitar playing, and innovative use of vibrato and phrasing helped define the blues and influenced countless musicians in various genres. His signature guitar, the Gibson ES-355, is now known as the “Lucille,” named after a woman who inspired King to risk his life to save his guitar from a burning building.
King’s influence can be heard in the music of countless artists, from Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix to Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan and maybe someone like Michael Jackson. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received numerous accolades throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards.
Sadly, B.B. King passed away on May 14, 2015, at 89. However, his music and legacy continue to live on, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans.
In addition to his musical legacy, B.B. King also established the B.B. King Blues Foundation in 1988 to support education and preserve the blues. The foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing music degrees and supports music education programs in schools.
B.B. King’s biography shows his music has been featured in countless films, television shows, and commercials, including Martin Scorsese’s “The Blues” documentary series, in which King appeared. His songs have been covered by many artists, from rock bands like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to country stars like George Strait and Reba McEntire.
King’s music has also been used in numerous video games, including “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” “Rock Band,” and “Guitar Hero.” His popularity among gamers has helped to introduce his music to a new generation of fans who might not have otherwise been exposed to the blues.
The Best Of BB King BB King
B.B. King was a prolific artist with a long, storied career spanning several decades. He recorded countless albums and singles, but some of his best work can be found on his most iconic albums. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best B.B. King albums that showcase his range as a musician and his enduring legacy as the King of the Blues.
1-“Live at the Regal” (1965)
“Live at the Regal” is considered one of the greatest live albums of all time, and it’s easy to see why. Recorded at the Regal Theater in Chicago in 1964, the album captures King at the peak of his powers, delivering an electrifying set of his biggest hits. From the opening notes of “Every Day I Have the Blues” to the closing strains of “Sweet Little Angel,” “Live at the Regal” is a masterclass in blues guitar and showmanship.
2-“Lucille” (1968)
Named after King’s famous Gibson guitar, “Lucille” is a classic album that features some of King’s best-known songs, including “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Lucille.” The album is notable for its mix of slow, soulful ballads and more upbeat, funky tracks. King’s guitar playing is especially impressive on “Lucille,” as he shows off his virtuosic skills with precision and feeling.
3-“Completely Well” (1969)
“Completely Well” is another standout album from King’s discography, featuring a mix of original songs and covers that showcase his versatility as a musician. Highlights include the bluesy “So Excited” and the soulful “Get Off My Back Woman,” as well as a cover of “The Letter” by the Box Tops. As always, King’s guitar playing is top-notch, and his vocals are raw and emotional throughout.
4-“Indianola Mississippi Seeds” (1970)
“Indianola Mississippi Seeds” is a concept album that explores King’s roots and influences, with songs about his childhood in Mississippi and his experiences as a black man in America. The album features a range of musical styles, including blues, gospel, and R&B, and collaborations with several prominent musicians, such as Carole King and Leon Russell. Highlights include “Chains and Things” and “Hummingbird,” both of which showcase King’s soulful vocals and powerful guitar playing.
5-“Deuces Wild” (1997)
“Deuces Wild” is a unique album that features King collaborating with a wide range of artists, from Eric Clapton to Tracy Chapman to Van Morrison. The album’s mix of styles and genres makes for an eclectic listening experience, but it all comes together thanks to King’s masterful guitar playing and soulful vocals. Highlights include the funky “Tired of Your Jive” with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and the bluesy “Since I Met You Baby” with Gary Moore.
These albums are just a few examples of the best of B.B. King’s work, but they showcase his range as a musician, his virtuosic guitar playing, and his passionate vocals. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering King’s music for the first time, these albums are essential for anyone who loves the blues.
6-“Riding with the King” (2000)
“Riding with the King” is a collaborative album between B.B. King and Eric Clapton, two of the most influential guitarists ever. The album features a mix of covers and original songs, including the title track, “Riding with the King,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. The album is notable for its seamless blend of King’s soulful vocals and Clapton’s legendary guitar playing, making for a truly unforgettable listening experience.
7-“One Kind Favor” (2008)
“One Kind Favor” was released in 2008, just a few months before King’s 83rd birthday. The album is a tribute to his early blues influences, featuring covers of songs by artists such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lonnie Johnson. King’s guitar playing is as masterful as ever, and his vocals are filled with a lifetime of experience and emotion. Highlights include “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” and “I Get So Weary.”
8-“Blues on the Bayou” (1998)
“Blues on the Bayou” is a return to King’s roots, focusing on traditional blues styles and instrumentation. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, with King’s guitar playing taking center stage throughout. Highlights include “Blues Boys Tune” and “I’m Moving On,” both of which showcase King’s incredible technical skills and soulful delivery.
9-“Live at the Apollo” (1991)
“Live at the Apollo” was recorded in 1991 at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, and it features King delivering a powerhouse performance for a raucous crowd. The album includes some of his biggest hits, such as “Sweet Sixteen” and “The Thrill Is Gone,” as well as covers of songs by T-Bone Walker and others. King’s guitar playing is as impressive as ever, and his vocals are raw and emotional throughout.
10-“Live in Cook County Jail” (1971)
“Live in Cook County Jail” is another classic live album from King’s discography, recorded at a prison in Chicago in 1970. The album includes some of King’s biggest hits, such as “The Thrill Is Gone” and “How Blue Can You Get,” and covers of songs by Ray Charles and others. The album is notable for its raw, intimate feel, with King’s guitar and vocals ringing out in a gritty, objective setting.
FAQ
B.B. King was a legendary American musician known as the King of the Blues. He was born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and was one of the most influential and beloved musicians of the 20th century.
B.B. King was known for his soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing, which helped define the blues genre. He was also influenced by jazz, gospel, and R&B music, and his music continues to be celebrated to this day.
Some of B.B. King’s most famous songs include “Three O’Clock Blues,” “Sweet Little Angel,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and “The Thrill Is Gone.”
B.B. King’s signature guitar was a Gibson ES-355, which he named “Lucille” after a woman who inspired him to risk his life to save his guitar from a burning building.
B.B. King was a pioneering figure in the civil rights movement and performed at benefit concerts for organizations such as the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He was also a vocal supporter of desegregation and racial equality.
B.B. King’s innovative use of vibrato and phrasing, as well as his soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing, helped define the blues and influenced countless musicians in various genres. Artists from Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix to Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan cited B.B. King as a major influence.
B.B. King passed away on May 14, 2015, at 89.
The B.B. King Blues Foundation was established by B.B. King in 1988 to support education and preserve the blues. The foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing music degrees and supports music education programs in schools.
B.B. King’s music has been featured in countless films, television shows, and commercials, including Martin Scorsese’s “The Blues” documentary series. His songs have also been covered by many artists, from rock bands like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to country stars like George Strait and Reba McEntire.
“Live at the Regal” (1965) is considered one of the greatest live albums of all time and is B.B. King’s most iconic album.
B.B. King’s music has been used in numerous video games, including “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” “Rock Band,” and “Guitar Hero.” His popularity among gamers has helped to introduce his music to a new generation of fans who might not have otherwise been exposed to the blues.
B.B. King’s impact on music cannot be overstated, and his music and legacy continue to live on, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Conclusion
B.B. King’s biography shows his impact on music cannot be overstated. His soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing helped define the blues genre and influenced countless musicians in various genres. His legacy continues to live on through his music and the work of the B.B. King Blues Foundation, which supports education and preserves the blues for future generations.
While B.B. King may no longer be with us, his music and spirit continue to inspire musicians and fans worldwide. His contributions to the blues and music as a whole will never be forgotten, and his influence will continue to be felt for many years.
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