Riley B. King (September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015), known professionally as B.B. King, was an American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that influenced many later electric blues guitarists.
King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of the Blues", and one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" along with Albert King and Freddie King. King was known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at more than 200 concerts per year on average into his 70s. In 1956 alone, he reportedly appeared at 342 shows.
King was born on a cotton plantation in Berclair, Mississippi, and later worked at a cotton gin in Indianola, Mississippi. He was attracted to music and the guitar in church, and began his performance career in juke joints and local radio. He later lived in Memphis, Tennessee, and Chicago, and toured the world extensively. King died at the age of 89 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 14, 2015, from congestive heart failure and diabetic complications.
Commander Joe Clark (Founder)- Having B.B. King honored here is truly an honor and emotional experience for me. I met and spent time with B.B. King. He was truly a caring, honest American getting to know B.B. And touching the famed, “Lucille” is a highlight of my career.
I have some items that will be posted here soon. Those items are from B.B. Kings visit to Bosnia-Hercogovina during the NATO mission “IFOR”. Where I first met B.B. King.
I will get those items posted as soon as possible. I appreciate your patience. -Commander Joe Clark
