In Memoriam
B.B. King
September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015 · aged 89
Blues · R&B
Riley B. King, universally known as B.B. King, was the undisputed 'King of the Blues' and one of the most influential guitarists in history. Born on a Mississippi cotton plantation in 1925, he defined the electric blues with his signature single-string soloing style and deep, shimmering vibrato. Armed with his beloved Gibson ES-355 guitar, famously named 'Lucille,' King brought the blues from the Chitlin' Circuit to the world's most prestigious concert halls. His 1969 crossover hit 'The Thrill Is Gone' showcased his emotive voice and immaculate, stinging guitar phrasing, setting a standard that inspired everyone from Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix. As a tireless ambassador for the genre, King performed over 200 concerts a year well into his 70s. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 14, 2015, at the age of 89. His elegant bends and expressive tone remain the absolute gold standard for blues guitar.
Milestones
The Thrill Is Gone, Everyday I Have the Blues, Sweet Little Angel
Also remembered in 2015
- Ben E. King (1938–2015)
- Lemmy Kilmister (1945–2015)
- Ornette Coleman (1930–2015)
- Scott Weiland (1967–2015)