About
B.B. King, born Riley B. King in 1925 on a Mississippi plantation, became one of the most influential blues musicians. Known as the 'King of the Blues,' he popularized electric blues with a distinctive guitar style, influencing generations of guitarists. His national success came with 'Three O'Clock Blues' in 1951, and his hit 'The Thrill Is Gone' (1969) earned him a Grammy. He recorded over 40 albums, including the acclaimed live album Live at the Regal (1965). He received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006. He died in 2015, leaving an immense legacy.
Major works
- Three O'Clock Blues (1951)single
- Live at the Regal (1965)live album
- Completely Well (1969)studio album
- Riding with the King (2000)studio album
- One Kind Favor (2008)studio album
Key milestones
- 1987Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2006Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.
- 2008Opening of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, Mississippi.
Themes
BluesElectric guitarMississippi Delta lifeHeartbreakResilience
Sources: britannica.com · si.edu · blues.org