Legendary guitarist and iconic blues artist B.B. King has passed away at the age of 89. The sad news was announced by his daughter Patty King late last night. B.B. was under home hospice care in Las Vegas and being treated for dehydration for the past two weeks. The Rock Revival sends it’s deepest sympathies to B.B.’s family.
One of the most influential blues musicians of all time, B.B. King is known as “The King of the Blues.” After more than six decades of performing, King is still going strong, singing and performing around the world. Since King first started recording in the ‘40s, he has released well over 60 albums, with hits such as “Three O’Clock Blues,” “Sweet Little Angel” and “The Thrill Is Gone.” Throughout his illustrious career, King has won an astonishing 15 Grammy Awards, plus the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. In 1980 he was inducted into the Blues Foundation Blues Hall of Fame, and in 1987 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. King collaborated with iconic classic rock guitarist Eric Clapton in 2000 on their album, Riding With The King. In 2006, King was awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom byPresident George W. Bush. In 2009, Time Magazine ranked King #3 on their list of the 10 Best Electric Guitarists of All-Time. – by Matt Bishop
