Riley B. 'B.B.' King is a seminal figure in the history and development of electric blues guitar. His influence on the evolution of blues and rock music is incalculable. His crisp guitar phrasing and empassioned vocals blend seamlessly to create a unique and powerful combination. Born near Itta Bena, MS. in 1925, he became immersed in Delta blues in Indianola, MS. before moving to Memphis. It was here he became known as the "Beale Street Blues Boy," or B.B. for short. He had many chart-topping R&B hits in the 1950s, and his "Live at the Regal" in 1964 is regarded as one of the greatest guitar albums of all time. His crossover hit "The Thrill Is Gone" broke him into the mainstream in 1969.
Born- Sep. 16, 1925, Berclair, MS.
Died- May 14, 2015, Las Vegas, NV.
B. B. King, Cleveland, 1998