B.B. King – The Undisputed King of the Blues

No one shaped modern blues like B.B. King. Born Riley B. King in 1925 on a Mississippi cotton plantation, he rose from humble beginnings to become the face — and soul — of the blues worldwide. With his beloved guitar "Lucille" by his side, King crafted a sound that blended raw emotion with sophisticated phrasing, creating a timeless legacy.

A Life Dedicated to the Blues

B.B. King's journey took him from church choirs to radio gigs, eventually landing him on stages around the globe. His smooth vibrato and expressive solos became a trademark, influencing countless musicians across genres.

Key milestones:

• Over 40 studio albums released
• 15 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987

Through it all, B.B. King stayed true to the heart of the blues: telling real stories with feeling and authenticity.

"The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you." — B.B. King

Legacy That Lives On

Even after his passing in 2015, B.B. King's spirit endures. His music continues to inspire new generations, while Lucille's cry echoes in the hands of players who follow his path.

His influence is felt not just in blues, but in rock, soul, and beyond — wherever musicians bend notes to say something words cannot express.

"Mural of BB King - Indianola, Mississippi" by visitmississippi is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 .