#32 B.B. King

B.B. King essentially influenced every blues and blues based guitarist that followed him. After a failed trip to Memphis, King decided to learn music. His hard work paid off. In 1949, he earned a recording contract. By the 50s, King was one of the most important R&B artists. His biggest hit came in 1968 with “The Thrill is Gone.” King continued to work throughout the 70s. He recorded less frequently by the 1980s. However, in 1988, he recorded “When Love Comes To Town” with U2. It was a smash. Today, he occasionally performs at festivals. In 2008, he performed at the Kennedy Center Honors in honor of Morgan Freeman.

Rock n Roll Moment: He named his guitar “Lucille.”

Essential King:

Singing The Blues (1956)
Indianola Mississippi Seeds (1970)
The Ultimate Collection (2005)

BB King’s Top 10:

Three O’Clock Blues
When Love Comes to Town (with U2)
Worried Life
The Thrill is Gone
Paying the Cost to be the Boss
Please Love Me
You Upset Me Baby
Don’t Answer The Door
Sweet Sixteen (part 1 and 2)
Chains and Things