One of the most influential electric guitarists of our time, B.B. King has had a major impact on the development of modern blues and rock & roll music.
Riley B. King was born on September 16, 1925 in the area of Mississippi known as the "Delta", near the town of Itta Bena.
Although he was a well known star on the "chitlin circuit" during the 1950's and 60's, B.B. King was relatively unknown to Middle America until the late 1960's.
B.B. broke through the barriers of race and national boundaries when he recorded an adaptation of the Roy Hawkins' song, "The Thrill Is Gone".
The song shot up to #15 on the Pop charts and topped out at #3 on the R&B charts in 1970, leading to the solidification of B.B. King as the premier blues artist of our time.
B.B. King has also been referred to as "The Ambassador of the Blues" - he is constantly on the road, performing more than 250 shows per year. In 1956, B.B. King performed 342 one night stands! His travels have taken him all over the world. B.B. performed in the former U.S.S.R in 1979, and at the opening of the Hard Rock Cafe in Beijing, China.
Part of King's legend is his guitar. He had been playing Gibsons for over 40 years. In 1982 Gibson and King officially joined forces putting B.B.'s personal touches on his signature model including the fine-tuner tailpiece, the semi-hollow body with no soundholes and the name that has adorned his guitars throughout his career - Lucille.
For more info visit
BB King's Official Web Site |
