Blues legend BB King dies
The "King of The Blues" has passed away aged 89
The thrill has gone - in the words of the great man. BB King, who'd been suffering recently from diabetes-related ill-health, passed away peacefully at his home in Las Vegas, his attorney confirmed last night.
The last of "The Three Kings of the Blues" (Albert King, Freddie King and BB), King had continued to tour well into his 80s, often playing over 100 shows a year.
An inspiration to the likes of Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, BB started off playing blues in the Mississippi delta, alongside the likes of Howlin Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson, before breaking out onto the international scene with his trademark smooth style.
He was best known for his string of hits including “Payin’ The Cost To Be The Boss”, “The Thrill Is Gone” and "How Blue Can You Get”, all of which have become blues classics.
Musicians from around the world have been paying tribute to the blues great, including Peter Frampton, Lenny Kravitz and Hugh Laurie.
You can hear our very own tribute to BB King this weekend with Bernard Doherty on Blues Power, midnight Saturday, and The Blues Power Sunday Brunch 12pm Sunday.
> My heart goes out 2 BB King's family today & all who loved him. A great friend & amazing gtr player leaves us peacefully. We will miss u BB. > > — Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) May 15, 2015
> Oh God. BB King. Let the sad times roll. > > — Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) May 15, 2015
> BB, anyone could play a thousand notes and never say what you said in one. #RIP #BBKing pic.twitter.com/YvZYH8hyJE > > — Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) May 15, 2015