Basic Information About B.B. King
| Category | Celebrities › Rock Stars |
|---|---|
| Professions | Songwriter, Singer, Musician, Singer-songwriter, Guitarist, Record producer, Actor, Composer |
| Net worth | $10,000,000 |
| Date of birth | 1925-09-16 |
| Place of birth | Berclair, Mississippi |
| Date of death | 2015-05-15 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Curiosities and Trademarks | His Black Gibson ES-355 guitar, named "Lucille" His vibrato-finger technique on the guitar |
| Spouse | 4 June - Sue Carol Hall ( 1958 - 1966) (divorced) 11 November - Martha Lee Denton ( 1944 - 1952) (divorced) |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.77 m) |
| Social Media | ↗︎ Wikipedia ↗︎ IMDb |
Famous Network of Celebrities with Similar Net Worth
What Movie Awards did B.B. King win?
 Oscar |
 Golden Globe |
 Golder Raspberry |
 BAFTA |
 Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
B.B. King roles
| Movie / Series | Role |
|---|---|
| Spies Like Us | Ace Tomato Agent |
| Blues Brothers 2000 | Malvern Gasperon |
| Amazon Women on the Moon | Self (segment "Blacks Without Soul") |
| Heart and Souls | B.B. King |
| The Cosby Show | Riley Jackson 1 episode, 1990 |
| Sesame Street | Self 1 episode, 1970 |
| Blossom | Self 1 episode, 1993 |
| The Young and the Restless | Self 1 episode, 2001 |
| The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | Pappy 1 episode, 1995 |
| Sanford and Son | B.B. King 1 episode, 1977 |
| The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | Self / ... 7 episodes, 1992-2012 |
| The Dick Cavett Show | Self 3 episodes, 1970-1972 |
| Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Self - Musical Guest 1 episode, 1998 |
B.B. King's Quotes
- About 15 times, a lady has said, "It's either me or Lucille [his guitar]". That's why I've had 15 children by 15 women.
- Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die to get there!
- [asked what he would do differently, could he live his life over] I would have finished high school.
- Nobody loves me but my mother, and she could be jivin', too.
- [on which musicians will keep the blues alive in a June 2006 interview] I could name so many that I think that you won't miss me at all when I'm not around. You'll maybe miss seeing my face, but the music will go on.
B.B. King's photos
The Legendary B.B. King: The King of Blues
B.B. King was an American blues musician, singer, guitarist, and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the world of music. Known as the King of Blues, B.B. King’s extraordinary talent and soulful sound captivated audiences around the globe. This article delves into the life, career, and achievements of this legendary icon.
Net Worth Details
Throughout his career, B.B. King amassed significant wealth. At the time of his passing in 2015, he had a net worth of $10 million. This is a testament to his enduring popularity and the impact he made throughout his lifetime.
Biography
What is B.B. King known for?
B.B. King is widely known for his mastery of the blues genre and his exceptional guitar skills. His distinctive sound and heartfelt lyrics touched the hearts of millions.
Early life and education
B.B. King, born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, grew up on a cotton plantation near Itta Bena, Mississippi. Raised by his grandmother after his mother left when he was just four years old, King found solace in music from an early age. He honed his musical talents by singing in the gospel choir at the local Baptist church and learning to play the guitar.
Career
King’s musical journey took flight when he moved to Memphis to pursue a career in music. He began performing on Sonny Boy Williamson’s radio program, which led to his first taste of fame and a growing fan base.
In 1949, King became a regular on Beale Street, the heart of the blues scene in Memphis. There, he established himself as a performer and formed his own band, the B.B. King Review. He soon caught the attention of Los Angeles-based RPM Records and signed a recording contract.
King’s career skyrocketed in the 195s and 60s with numerous chart-topping hits, including “3 O’Clock Blues,” which reached number one on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues chart in 1952. He went on to perform at prestigious venues, such as the Apollo Theater in New York and the Howard Theater in Washington, solidifying his status as a music icon.
During the late 196s, King expanded his audience by embracing blues-style music’s rising popularity among white audiences. Opening for the Rolling Stones on their 1969 tour propelled him even further into the mainstream. In 197, his rendition of “The Thrill is Gone” earned him a Grammy Award and cemented his place in music history as a blues legend.
Despite achieving tremendous success, B.B. King remained dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform, collaborate with other musicians, and release new music, leaving a lasting impact on the blues genre.
Achievements
B.B. King’s contributions to music earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. In 1987, he was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among music’s greatest legends. He also received 15 Grammy Awards during his career, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
King’s influence extended beyond his incredible talent as a musician. He used his platform for philanthropic causes, supporting prison reform initiatives through his co-founding of the Foundation for the Advancement of Inmate Rehabilitation and Recreation. Additionally, he advocated for diabetes awareness, having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes himself.
Legacy
Even after his passing in 2015, B.B. King’s impact on the world of music endures. His soulful voice, masterful guitar playing, and heartfelt lyrics continue to inspire new generations of musicians. His contributions to the blues genre and his dedication to his craft will forever be remembered.
Whether it was his iconic performances or his heartfelt lyrics, B.B. King’s music touched the souls of countless individuals. His ability to create emotional connections through his music solidified his place as a true legend in the world of blues.
B.B. King’s legacy lives on, reminding us all of the power of music and the lasting impact one person can make on the world. His name will forever be synonymous with the blues, ensuring that future generations will continue to discover and appreciate his extraordinary talent.
Interesting Facts about B.B. King
- Was one of the most talented and celebrated electric-blues artists of the late 20th Century. He recorded between 90 to 100 blues albums over the course of his singing career and was known for refining electric-blues more than any other blues artist, (a genre invented by the late great Muddy Waters).
- Claimed to have fathered 15 children out of wedlock, all with different women. At the time of his death, news sources claimed that his 15 children were a combination of biological and adopted (but did not indicate how many of each), but that only 11 of those children survived him. Those included eldest surviving daughter Shirley King, who was upset that she did not get a chance to see her father before his death.
- He played a Gibson B.B. King Lucille. The model he played used to have a Gibson number name, but starting in 1982, after making some special modifications per King's requests, the guitar became the Lucille model.
- Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
- He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1990.
- According to Las Vegas coroner's report, B.B. King died from Alzheimer's disease, with type 2 diabetes, coronary artery atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension and cerebral vascular disease acting as significant contributing factors. He died peacefully in his sleep at 9:40 p.m. PDT, at his home in Las Vegas, NV. He canceled a tour in October 2014, citing dehydration and exhaustion stemming from the diabetes.
- Mentioned in the song "Life Is a Rock But the Radio Rolled Me" by Reunion.
- He was awarded the Polar Music Prize, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music Award, on May 24, 2004.
- He was awarded the American National Medal of the Arts in 1990 by the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington, D.C.
- Mentioned in the song "Dig It" by The Beatles.
- Performed the song "When Love Comes to Town" in a duet with U2 from the album "Rattle and Hum".
- Was a vegetarian, non-drinker and -smoker, and licensed pilot.
- Owned blues clubs in Memphis, New York City, and Los Angeles.
- He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6771 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
- Attended the opening of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretative Center in Indianola, Mississippi. [September 2008]
- The name B.B. King is short for his first stage name, Blues Boy King.
- He chopped and picked cotton as a boy.
- Won 15 Grammys and sold more than 40 million records worldwide, a remarkable number for blues.
- Received the Kennedy Center Honors, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) Chairman's Award, among many other awards.
- His music inspired Jimi Hendrix, Robert Cray, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.
