Full Name: Riley B. King
Profession: Blues Musician
Why Famous: B. B. King is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. King is known for his unique style, ability to cross genres and his long playing career.
King started recording in the 1940s and had his first national hit, "Three O'Clock Blues," in 1949. His many hits include "Let The Good Times Roll", "The Thrill is Gone", and "Rock Me Baby".
King played over 300 concerts a year until he was in his seventies. King was inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" in 1987 and won 16 Grammys throughout his career, including A Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987.
He has collaborated widely, with artists that include Eric Clapton, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, Van Morrison, and Bonnie Raitt.
Born: September 16, 1925
Birthplace: near Berclair, Mississippi, USA
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Virgo
Married Life
- 1944-11-11 Blues musician B.B. King (19) marries his first wife Martha Denton
- 1958-06-04 Blues musician B.B. King (32) weds his second wife Sue Hall
Events in the Life of B.B. King
- 1952-02-02 B.B. King's “3 O’Clock Blues” hits #1 on the US Billboard's R&B hit parade to become his first national hit
- 1987-01-21 B.B. King donates his 7,000 record collection to the University of Mississippi
- 1987-01-21 B.B. King is inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame"
- 2006-12-15 B.B. King is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush
Eric Clapton
Lightnin Hopkins
Muddy Waters
Ella Fitzgerald
Linda McCartney
Robert Smith