Woke up this morning to learn that BB had left Lucille for his ultimate journey to the great unknown and I wish him well. He started in music as a radio DJ. Had a huge collection of 'Blues' 'platters'...which he ultimately donated to a university ... I believe. Smooth guitarist. Not the gruffest or most powerful voice. His biggest crossover hit remains 'The Thrill is Gone'. When he was invited to come play it on David Letterman's show a couple of decades back...Paul Shaffer arranged to have 2 [if memory serves] cellists on hand. BB said it was the first time since the song had been released that he had ever played it with cellos. He seemed sincerely touuhed that Paul and Dave had gone to that much trouble for him. Another BBism I love. He gave a 12 year old guitar wiz named Joe Bonammas the change to play live on stahe WITH him. Joe is one of the very BEST bluemen out there even as I type. BB King...Born Riley B. King on Sept. 16, 1925...the man passed away in his sleep at 9:40 [Pacific time] last night at his home. While his early years might have been more than just a little difficult given the fact that he lived in a racist world BB must have enjoyed the 2nd half of his storied life immensely 50 some odd albums. About 250 shows a year. [although he played close to 350 shows one year back in the 50s] King really only had to slow 'er down after his diabetes really took hold of him over these past 10 - 12 months or so. He collapsed on stage last fall...in October I think. By that point he had slowed himself down to about 100 or so shows and concert a year. Awarded properly for his efforts and held in high esteem by musicians of all ages...BB King led a great life and left an unparalleled legacy. The Thrill IS gone. The benefits remain.
-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Diamond Headz" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
