Riley B. “B. B.” King 1925-
Blues Musician
To many music fans, B.B. King is a king—a king of blues music. Blues music is a style of music that grew out of the songs of African Americans in Mississippi.
B.B. King plays the guitar and sings. He grew up in the Mississippi Delta. The Delta is a rich farming area between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. As a young man, King learned from other southern blues and jazz artists. He added the style of the songs of delta farm workers to his music. The gospel songs and spirituals he heard in church as a boy also influenced King's music.
King got his nickname when he performed on a radio show in the 1940s. For the show, he used the name “Blues Boy,” which was shortened to B.B. In the 1950s, King decided to name his guitar Lucille. Ever since, he has given each new guitar the same name.
Over the years, B. B. King has released many albums and hit songs. He has helped make blues music popular all over the world. King is still performing today at over 80 years old.
Critical Thinking
Why do people think of B.B. King as the king of blues?