B. B. King
Full Name and Common Aliases
Riley B. King, widely known as B. B. King, is a name that resonates with the soulful strains of the blues. Often referred to as the "King of the Blues," B. B. King is a towering figure in the world of music, whose influence extends far beyond the genre he helped to popularize.
Birth and Death Dates
B. B. King was born on September 16, 1925, and he passed away on May 14, 2015. His life spanned nearly nine decades, during which he became an enduring symbol of the blues.
Nationality and Profession(s)
B. B. King was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His primary profession was as a blues guitarist and vocalist, but his contributions to music also include his work as a bandleader and a mentor to countless musicians.
Early Life and Background
Born in the small town of Itta Bena, Mississippi, Riley B. King grew up in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, a region steeped in the rich tradition of blues music. His parents, Albert and Nora Ella King, were sharecroppers, and young Riley experienced the hardships of rural life firsthand. After his parents separated, he lived with his grandmother in Kilmichael, Mississippi. It was here that he first encountered the guitar, an instrument that would become his lifelong companion.
King's early exposure to gospel music in church and the sounds of the blues on the radio ignited his passion for music. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1946, where he began to hone his craft. Working as a disc jockey at WDIA, a local radio station, he adopted the name "Beale Street Blues Boy," which was later shortened to "B. B."
Major Accomplishments
B. B. King's career is marked by numerous accomplishments that solidified his status as a blues legend. He released over 40 studio albums and performed thousands of concerts worldwide. His unique style of guitar playing, characterized by expressive string bends and vibrato, became his signature and influenced generations of musicians.
King's accolades include 15 Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980. His influence extended beyond the blues, impacting rock, jazz, and other genres.
Notable Works or Actions
Among B. B. King's most notable works is the song "The Thrill Is Gone," which became a major hit in 1969 and remains one of his most enduring tracks. The song's haunting melody and King's soulful delivery captured the essence of the blues and introduced his music to a broader audience.
King's collaboration with other artists also stands out. He worked with musicians like Eric Clapton, U2, and Bobby "Blue" Bland, bridging the gap between blues and other musical styles. His live performances, particularly at the Regal Theater in Chicago, are legendary and have been immortalized in recordings like "Live at the Regal."
Impact and Legacy
B. B. King's impact on music is immeasurable. He brought the blues to mainstream audiences and inspired countless musicians across various genres. His guitar playing, characterized by its emotional depth and technical precision, set a new standard for blues guitarists.
King's legacy extends beyond his music. He was a cultural ambassador for the blues, performing in over 90 countries and using his platform to promote understanding and appreciation of the genre. His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide made him a beloved figure in the music community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
B. B. King is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into life and music. His quotes often reflect his deep understanding of the human condition and the power of music to express emotions. Phrases like "The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you" resonate with audiences because they encapsulate universal truths.
King's ability to articulate the essence of the blues and its role in expressing the joys and sorrows of life has made his words timeless. His legacy as a musician and a philosopher of the blues ensures that his voice will continue to inspire and resonate with future generations.
In summary, B. B. King's life and work exemplify the transformative power of music. His contributions to the blues and his influence on the broader musical landscape make him a figure of enduring significance, whose words and music continue to inspire and uplift.
Quotes by B. B. King
B. B. King's insights on:
I've been married twice. Most women would rather not be married to a traveling blues singer.
I liked blues from the time my mother used to take me to church. I started to listen to gospel music, so I liked that. But I had an aunt at that time, my mother's aunt who bought records by people like Lonnie Johnson, Robert Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and a few others.
I have not been a good father, but no father has loved his children more. Like my father, I decided the best thing I could do for my kids was work and provide. Fortunately, I've been able to do that. Unfortunately, my work was on the road, and that's meant a life of one-nighters.
I would sit on the street corners in my hometown of Indianola, Mississippi, and I would play. And, generally, I would start playing gospel songs. People would come by on the street - you live in Time Square, you know how they do it - they would bunch up. And they would always compliment me on gospel tunes, but they would tip me when I played blues.
Whenever I'm in Kansas City, I think back to all the jazz-blues greats who played the blues here - like Count Basie, Charlie Parker and Jay McShann. I watched those guys jam in different places and heard a lot of things - but I couldn't do what they did. They were too good.
Growing up on the plantation there in Mississippi, I would work Monday through Saturday noon. I'd go to town on Saturday afternoons, sit on the street corner, and I'd sing and play.
My mother was a very beautiful lady, I thought. She was very good to me. I guess - she died when I was nine and a half, but if she had lived, I probably wouldn't be trying to play guitar. She wanted me to be known, but as something else. Not a guitar player.
My last divorce was in '68. What made it come to a head was a promise. See, I had promised her that the next year I wouldn't work as much. But then I got in trouble with the IRS, and I had to continue working just as much to pay the government. So she said I lied, which is something I never did.
I was a singing disc jockey who heard every type of music there was - and loved it all.