'King of the Blues' blues legend B.B. King dead at age 89

[webfact]

'King of the Blues' blues legend B.B. King dead at age 89
KEN RITTER, Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Blues legend B.B. King has died in Las Vegas at age 89, his lawyer says.

Attorney Brent Bryson tells The Associated Press that King died peacefully in his sleep at 9:40 p.m. PDT Thursday at his home in Las Vegas.

The one-time farmhand brought new fans to the blues and influenced a generation of musicians with his heartfelt vocals and soaring guitar on songs such as "The Thrill Is Gone."

King sold millions of records worldwide and was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

King played a Gibson guitar that he affectionately called Lucille and was not only the undisputed king of the blues but a mentor to scores of guitarists including Eric Clapton.

He was awarded his 15th Grammy in 2009 in the traditional blues album category for "One Kind Favor."


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-05-15

[Scott]

Rest in Peace. You shall be missed.

[Always18]

"Legend" always seems such an inadequate word to describe great artists like BB King - so sad to hear yet another of my all-time favourite musicians has played their last chord.................

[Jip99]

Had the pleasure of seeing him in London - I think 'legend' is appropriate. R. I. P. BB

[webfact]

I was lucky enough to see you in concert. Farewell great man - rest in peace

[Bredbury Blue]

BB King and Freddie King were my favourite blues guitarists (oh, and Rory). Legend. RIP.

[lifeincnx]

Sad to think Lucille will never cry the blues again.

[bannork]

BB King and Freddie King were my favourite blues guitarists (oh, and Rory). Legend. RIP.[/quote

Good taste my man, now the thrill has gone - but the music lives on.

[nikmar]

i grew up listening to the likes of BB King and a few others.

great music and talent like this shall always remain timeless.

[duidui45]

R.I.P Mr. B.B.King...BB was the man that first attracted me to Blues/Soul,thank you sir.I know you will play your tunes up in heaven.Thank you sir for all the music love you've shared,thank you.

[Inn Between]

I was lucky enough to see B.B. King live at a dinner club in the 80's. It was a great show. We were sat waiting. looking only at a stool and guitar until BB finally walked out, flashed huge beautiful smile, picked up his guitar, and said those famous words, "I'd like to introduce you to Lucille".

RIP -- good to know that you had a full life and left us peacefully, but know that for some the thrill will never be gone.

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

I got the blues just thinkin about it. He will live on to eternity with the magic he left us all. A true legend. Thank you and R.I.P.

[Honkeydog]

We were recently at his restaurant on Beale Street in Memphis after it was recently remodeled.

Will miss the man1

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Wow... what a great, legendary talent and performer.

Fortunately for us and the world, he leaves behind a huge collection of exceptional music and performances that everyone can enjoy for generations to come.

[boomerangutang]

I saw him perform several times, between 1968 and 1980's. I'm also a blues guitarist and he was a prime influence for me, besides being a fine fellow. At one concert, there was a problem with his guitar amp. Somehow he found a tiny little practice amp with a 5" speaker. He put a mic on it (via the P.A. system), smiled and told the audience what a nice sound that was. His gentle voice sounded like an elderly uncle sweetly talking to friends and family.

[boomerangutang]

BB King and Freddie King were my favourite blues guitarists (oh, and Rory). Legend. RIP.[/quote

Good taste my man, now the thrill has gone - but the music lives on.

Both those 'Kings' were fine blues players, but my favorite King guitarist was Albert King.

[piersbeckett]

I knew he was 'gettin' on' but didn't realise he was that old - 'the thrill is gone', that's Blues!

[willyumiii]

One of the best shows I ever saw....

BB King and ray Charles together.

BB sat on Ray's piano and they brought the house down.

Now they can play together again.

RIP Riley King

and thank you

.

[willyumiii]

As much as we will miss him,

This girl will miss him the most.

[anon4546543]

RIP, BB. You lived and loved a good life. Glad you left us peacefully after a long life of enriching us with amazing guitar riffs and mellow vocals. The King is dead, long live your music.

[kinmaew]

Long live BB King - Someone who actually has earned the respect he deserves