B.B. King - The King of Blues and His Lasting Legacy 

Introduction

Riley B. King (September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015), known professionally as B.B. King, was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending, shimmering vibrato, and staccato picking that influenced many later electric guitar blues players. AllMusic recognized King as "the single most important electric guitarist of the last half of the 20th century." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and is one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of the Blues." King performed tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing on average at more than 200 concerts a year into his 70s.

Early Life

B.B. King was born on September 16, 1925, on a cotton plantation in Berclair, near Itta Bena, Mississippi, to sharecroppers Albert and Nora Ella King. When he was four years old, his mother left his father for another man, and he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Elnora Farr, in Kilmichael, Mississippi. As a teen, he moved to Indianola, which he referred to as his hometown, later working at a cotton gin.

King sang in the gospel choir at Elkhorn Baptist Church in Kilmichael and was attracted to the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ because of its music. A local minister taught him his first three chords on a Sears Roebuck Silvertone guitar. Flake Cartledge, his employer in Kilmichael, bought him his first guitar for $15, which he paid off by having money withheld from his salary.

In November 1941, King Biscuit Time first aired on KFFA in Helena, Arkansas, featuring Mississippi Delta blues. King listened to it while on break at the plantation and aspired to be a radio musician. In 1943, he left Kilmichael to work as a tractor driver and play guitar with the Famous St. John's Gospel Singers of Inverness, Mississippi. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II but was released after being deemed "essential to the war economy."

In 1946, King followed Bukka White to Memphis, Tennessee, where he began to develop an audience. He performed on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio program on KWEM in West Memphis, which led to steady engagements at the Sixteenth Avenue Grill and a ten-minute spot on the Memphis radio station WDIA. It was there that he earned the nickname "Beale Street Blues Boy," later shortened to "B.B."

Career (1949–2005)

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, King was a part of the blues scene on Beale Street, performing with artists like Bobby Bland and Johnny Ace. He debuted on Bullet Records with the single "Miss Martha King" in 1949, but it did not chart well. In 1949, King began recording songs under contract with RPM Records, a subsidiary of Modern. His first Billboard Rhythm and Blues charted number one, "3 O'Clock Blues," came in February 1952, marking the beginning of his rise to prominence.

King's impressive list of hits during the 1950s included:

• "You Know I Love You"

• "Woke Up This Morning"

• "Please Love Me"

• "When My Heart Beats Like a Hammer"

• "Whole Lotta' Love"

• "You Upset Me Baby"

• "Every Day I Have the Blues"

• "Sweet Little Angel"

In 1956, he founded his own record label, Blues Boys Kingdom, and recorded the acclaimed Live at the Regal album in 1964, which is considered one of the best live recordings in blues history. King gained further visibility among rock audiences as an opening act on the Rolling Stones' 1969 American Tour and won a Grammy Award for his version of "The Thrill Is Gone."

Later Career and Recognition (2006–2014)

From the late 1960s onward, King maintained a highly active career, performing hundreds of shows each year. He recorded several successful albums and collaborated with various artists, including U2 on the song "When Love Comes to Town." In 2008, he opened the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in his hometown of Indianola, Mississippi.

King continued to tour and perform until his later years, participating in major music festivals and events. He was recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the Blues Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. In 2012, King performed at the White House during a special event, where President Barack Obama joined him in singing "Sweet Home Chicago."

Personal Life

B.B. King was married twice and had a total of 15 children, though he was not always present in their lives due to his demanding career. He was known for his generosity and often supported various charitable causes, particularly those related to music education and the arts. King was also an avid fan of sports, especially boxing, and he often drew parallels between the discipline required in both music and athletics.

Health Issues and Final Years

In his later years, King faced several health challenges, including diabetes, which led to complications that affected his mobility. Despite these issues, he continued to perform, although he had to scale back his touring schedule. In 2014, he was hospitalized for dehydration and later passed away on May 14, 2015, at the age of 89. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians, highlighting his profound impact on the music industry.

Legacy

B.B. King's influence on the blues genre and music as a whole is immeasurable. He inspired countless musicians across various genres, and his signature guitar style and emotive singing continue to resonate with artists today. His recordings remain a staple in the blues repertoire, and his contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The B.B. King Museum stands as a testament to his life and legacy, celebrating his contributions to music and culture.

Notable Albums by B.B. King

1. Singin' the Blues (1957)

   • This album features some of King's early hits and showcases his unique style, helping to establish him as a prominent figure in the blues genre.

2. The Blues (1958)

   • A collection of classic blues tracks that further solidified King's reputation as a master of the genre.

3. B.B. King Wails (1959)

   • This album includes some of King's most memorable performances and highlights his exceptional guitar work.

4. King of the Blues (1960)

   • A compilation that captures the essence of King's musical style and his contributions to the blues.

5. Sings Spirituals (1960)

   • An album that showcases King's gospel influences, blending blues with spiritual themes.

6. The Great B.B. King (1960)

   • This album features a mix of original songs and covers, demonstrating King's versatility as an artist.

7. Completely Well (1969)

   • This album includes the hit single "The Thrill Is Gone," which won a Grammy Award and became one of King's signature songs.

8. Live & Well (1969)

   • A live album that captures the energy of King's performances and features some of his most popular tracks.

9. Indianola Mississippi Seeds (1970)

   • This album is notable for its blend of blues and rock influences, showcasing King's evolution as an artist.

10. B.B. King in London (1971)

    • A live recording that highlights King's international appeal and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

11. L.A. Midnight (1972)

    • An album that features a mix of blues and soul, showcasing King's adaptability to different musical styles.

12. To Know You Is to Love You (1973)

    • This album includes a mix of original songs and covers, further establishing King's reputation as a leading figure in the blues genre.

13. B.B. King: Live at the Regal (1965)

    • Often regarded as one of the greatest live albums of all time, it captures King's performance at the Regal Theater in Chicago and is a must-listen for any blues fan.

14. Riding with the King (2000) (with Eric Clapton)

    • A collaborative album that won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, showcasing the chemistry between two blues legends.

15. One Kind Favor (2008)

    • This album features a collection of classic blues songs and received critical acclaim, marking a return to King's roots.

16. The Blues: B.B. King (1992)

    • A compilation album that features some of King's best-known tracks, celebrating his contributions to the genre.

17. Let the Good Times Roll (1991)

    • An album that captures the essence of King's live performances and his ability to engage audiences.

18. B.B. King & Friends (1998)

    • A collaborative album featuring various artists, showcasing King's versatility and influence across genres.

Conclusion

B.B. King's legacy as "The King of the Blues" is firmly established through his extensive discography and his profound impact on the music world. His albums not only showcase his exceptional talent as a guitarist and vocalist but also reflect the evolution of the blues genre itself. His influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring that his contributions to music will never be forgotten.

Listen to B.B. King's Albums in Lossless Audio via Streaming: HERE