B.B.
King is a legendary bluesman acquired with a raspy voice and a guitar to match. King began playing blues on street corners in the early 40’s where he learned his infamous single-stringed guitar technique. He also was a radio stations host that was the first to play an all-black format. King was also known to play along with the records. King’s first hit came with RPM records, where he recorded the 1948 hit “Three O’clock Blues.” The single was so popular it went on to reach number 1 on the R&B charts. King began focusing on his astonishing guitar skills, n
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aming it “Lucille.”
In 1978, King’s album Midnight Believer took a different musical direction. King’s jazzed up album had mellow moods and gentle sounds. Flair/Virgin label can be credited for releasing some of King’s oldest and best work to date. Some of the hits on Start Singing the Blues included “Please Love Me,” “
Sweet Little Angel,” and “Everyday I Have the Blues.” Another great album that resurfaced in later years was The Best of B.B. King Volume One which included all of King’s earliest songs while he was still on the radio.
King also released instrumental albums with just him and his beloved guitar called Spotlight on Lucille. This album showcases King’s growth in his guitar technique and the progression of his musical talents. King still releases tons of live, and studio albums today. He is now in his late 70’s and is a musical icon.