‘King of the Blues’ Guitar Legend B.B. King Dead at 89

BB King

The “King of the Blues” has died. The Associated Press is reporting that blues legend B.B. King has died in Las Vegas at age 89.

King’s attorney, Brent Bryson, reports that he died peacefully in his sleep at 9:40 p.m. PDT Thursday at his home in Las Vegas.

We had the opportunity to see the legend perform here in Traverse City eons ago, and it really was such a “thrill.” Of course, his most well-known hit is probably “The Thrill is Gone,” but he influenced several generations of musicians, including Eric Clapton.

King, who played a Gibson guitar that he affectionately called “Lucille,” sold millions of records worldwide and was inducted into both the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He was awarded his 15th Grammy in 2009 in the traditional blues album category for “One Kind Favor.”

Rest in Peace, B.B. King.

Comments

4 responses to “‘King of the Blues’ Guitar Legend B.B. King Dead at 89”

  1. Michelle Rod Avatar

    Rest in Peace, BB King. Thank you for the many great songs, memories and positive vibes to so many. “Now that it’s over, all I can do is wish you well”

  2. Matt Baynes Avatar

    BB King is one of my favorite guitar players. At the Charter school that I teach there is huge BB King picture in the hallway and I bet half the kids there don’t even know who he is. So I am playing and pushing BB Kings music as much as i can.

  3. WorthingGuitarLessons Avatar

    Absolutely gutted that he’s gone,
    Everyone was definitely influenced by him whether they’re aware of it or not.
    His vibrato and feel is without a doubt the best I’ve seen, he was so humble and a great human being and will be sorely missed.

  4. Sarah Dennis Avatar

    ‘Rest In Peace’ Sir! You gave us just so much to remember. What I can only say is this that, being your frequent listener I am going to miss you alot! 🙁

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