Happy 85th Birthday B.B. King
Written by admin on September 16, 2010 – 7:00 am - |
Legendary bluesman B.B. King celebrates his 85th birthday today.
B.B. King was born on September 16, 1925 on a plantation in Itta Bena, Mississippi and in his early 20s moved to Memphis, Tn where he first became known as a singer and disk jockey on the radio station WDIA. |
King began his recording career in 1949. His debut single was “Miss Martha King” which didn’t do well, but over the next few years he became one of the biggest names in R&B music. His hit records included “Three O’Clock Blues”, “Story from My Heart and Soul”, “When My Heart Beats Like a Hammer”, “You Upset Me Baby” and “Every Day I Have the Blues.”
B.B. King – Three O’Clock Blues
The biggest hit of King’s career was a cover of Roy Hawkins’ “The Thrill is Gone” which B.B. recorded for his 1969 album “Completely Well” and released on single in December 1969. The recording won a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and has become King’s signature tune. He has a total of 15 Grammy Awards, including 10 for Best Traditional Blues Album.
B.B. King – The Thrill is Gone
King has been one of the most prolific live performers over the last five decades, playing more than 15,000 gigs since 1952. He still tours today and also oversees a growing business empire, with many B.B. King’s Blues Clubs now open in the US.
Happy Birthday B.B. King.
Tags: B.B. King, B.B. King 85th birthday, The Thrill is Gone
Posted in General |
