BB King

B.B. King—born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi—was a towering figure in American music and one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. Known as the “King of the Blues,” King brought the blues from the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the global stage with his unmistakable guitar style, heartfelt vocals, and magnetic stage presence.

His beloved guitar, Lucille, became nearly as famous as he was—synonymous with his signature technique of expressive string bends and lyrical phrasing. Over a career that spanned more than six decades, B.B. King recorded dozens of albums and delivered over 15,000 live performances, leaving behind classics like “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and “Sweet Little Angel.”

King’s influence transcended genres, inspiring generations of blues, rock, and soul musicians—from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan to John Mayer and Bonnie Raitt. He earned 15 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Beyond the music, B.B. King was known for his humility, generosity, and deep love for the blues. When he passed away on May 14, 2015, the world lost a true musical giant—but his legacy, sound, and spirit live on in every soulful note of the blues.