B.B. King

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Born:
September 16, 1925, he's 86 and American.
Names:
Birthname: Riley King. Alternative names: B.B. King.
One Liner:
Innovative blues guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer.
Snapshot:
An Artist with 279 releases, and credited 13 times on others' music. 34 collaborations.

Biography

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Riley B. King (nicknamed B.B. for "blues boy") became one of the greatest and most influential blues guitarists ever through more than half a century of touring and recording. He signed his first record contract in Memphis in 1949, and began recording songs with a young producer called Sam Phillips (who would later founded Sun Records and discovered Elvis Presley). Through the 50s King practiced and performed regularly, releasing several singles a year and enjoying several R&B chart hits, such as "Every Day I Have the Blues", "Bad Luck", and "On My Word of Honor". His success continued in the 60s with hits like "Sweet Sixteen Pt. 1" and "Peace Of Mind", culminating in his biggest hit at the very end of the decade: "The Thrill Is Gone" broke the pop chart Top 20, exposing B.B. to a wider audience and became his signature tune. Thanks to that hit, nearly all of his subsequent single releases charted, and his tour schedule filled up to over 300 gigs a year. Though he slowed down that hectic programme recently, it wasn't until 2006 - at the age of 81 - that B.B. finished his farewell tour. Still, his irrepressible spirit and love for the blues has seen B.B. perform again since and he's refused to rule out more touring.

Pictures

B.B. King PR Photos
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B.B. King - B.B. King's Blues Music Festival 1999, Mountain View Calif. Getty Images

B.B. King's Blues Music Festival 1999, Mountain View Calif.

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B.B. King - 1951, Los Angeles, B. B. King Getty Images

1951, Los Angeles, B. B. King

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B.B. King - Early 1960s, New York City, B. B. King Getty Images

Early 1960s, New York City, B. B. King

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B.B. King - Photo of BB King Getty Images

Photo of BB King

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B.B. King - Photo of B.B. King Getty Images

Photo of B.B. King

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B.B. King - Newport JVC Jazz Festival - Day 3 Getty Images

Newport JVC Jazz Festival - Day 3

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B.B. King - Photo of B.B. King Getty Images

Photo of B.B. King

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  • B.B. King
  • B.B. King - B.B. King's Blues Music Festival 1999, Mountain View Calif.
  • B.B. King - 1951, Los Angeles, B. B. King
  • B.B. King - Early 1960s, New York City, B. B. King
  • B.B. King - Photo of BB King
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Music

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Genres

Electric Blues. Vote on Genres

Discography

292 releases – 279 under his own name and 13 credits on others' music Edit
1
Collaborations, Groups and Family
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B.B. King

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Fans of B.B. King

Gene
Cal Varson
jaymoore5@cox.net
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