A to Z Challenge: King of the Blues BB King

I used J for Joni Mitchell because she had health problems that put her in the hospital since the challenge started. The great B.B. King has also been hospitalized since the challenge started so  Iwill play tribute to him with this post.

I've blogged about him a few times in the past. Most notably a year ago and you can read that post here. I have been fortunate to see him several times. Besides being a great guitarist and legendary blues man he has other traits as well. He is an incredible storyteller and his facial expressions really pull you into the story. He also is humble and willing to share the stage with some many. Probably things which help make him a legend.


B.B. with a song about his guitar..

I think Lucille has a few more notes left in her, or at least I hope. Below "Sweet Little Angel"

Blues lovers may like this jam with Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and Jimmie Vaughan..

The song was "Rock Me Baby." Are you a fan of B.B. King? What is your favorite song? Any favorite memories of jams? Feel free to share. I wish him fast healing and better health. I hope you enjoy and see you soon!

A to Z Challenge: King of the Blues and a look at how it is Hard to Be King: B.B. King's Recent Struggles

B.B. King is a living legend. A rock and roll hall of fame member, a blues hall of fame member, Kennedy Center Honoree, awarded a National Medal of Honor, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, 17 Grammy Awards, and he even has a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker. An impressive resume that holds up well against anyone.

Recording with U2 also helped to spread B.B, King's popularity beyond blues...

Eric Clapton helped B.B. King's career grow as well...

Of course B.B. King became  King due to his own music..

Over the years I was fortunate to see B.B. King perform life several times in venues like Wolf Trap and Constitution Hall. I even got to see him perform with John Hiatt, Jeff Beck, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

I always thought he was a brilliant storyteller. Now at 88 some of his shows have been getting less than glowing reviews. Age and ailments taking bigger tolls. When I saw him I saw how he would sit more during the show. Now reports of lost lyrics, lost musical places, and his guitar playing reduced to brief moments of brilliance. I would take a brief moment of brilliance on Lucille anyday.

This is a review from his performance last Friday from Saint Louis that was a buzz last week. This story reports of more. Sad reports to hear about this musical icon and sad reports to hear about  the blues.

Hopefully it was just a bad show. Hopefully he has a little bit more left in him. Maybe he just needs a little help. However, age is a tough thing to over come.