May 14, 2015 marks the end of an era…
BB King passed away quietly at his Las Vegas home, according to his daughter Patty. He had been in hospice for a couple of weeks after suffering from exhaustion and dehydration in Chicago on tour.
Born Riley B. King on September 16, 1925 on a plantation near Indianola, Mississippi, BB King was a driving force behind blues music for the latter half of the 20th Century and well into the 21st.
The first time I saw BB King perform I was about 20 years old and he played an outdoor festival in Orange County, California. I was struck by how tight his band was and his absolute command of an audience…
It honestly felt like I had gone to my grandfather’s house and was just sitting listening to him spin wonderful tales of his life and music all wrapped up with some of the tastiest guitar playing ever.
There certainly will never be another BB King and he will by sorely missed by this guitar player and millions more besides.
A few of my favorites:
Let The Good Times Roll:
Sweet Little Angel from a live 2003 performance
The Thrill Is Gone live from 1993
196 replies to "R.I.P. BB King"
B B King may be gone but the thrill lives on. Another blues player called home.
RIP
Sure gonna miss this guy, Griff.
Just hope I get to Heaven…can you imagine BB King with Stevie Ray Vaughn and Gary Moore…? May the concert last forever!
When I heard 0f B.B.Kings passing I pulled out 3 0f his CD’s and jammed for hours with them. All because of you Griff. Thank You!
God! Give him back!
I was lucky enough to see BB at the Albert Hall in London quite a few years ago.
Great player and supreme gentleman! Have just read his biography and he had such a tough start in life. He always seemed so humble and in admiration of other artists.
May he rest in peace having left us a legacy of wonderful music.
Thank you B.
Andrew
Went to Chicago a few years back for my 65th went to B.B’s club but didn’t get to see the great man himself.
Just listen to his playing on “The Thrill Is Gone” to see what all the fuss is about. No effects, just a man and his guitar straight through an amp. I saw an interview once where he told the guy that more often than not, he didn’t take and amp with him, he’d just go through whatever was there. even the P.A. Any one of his licks in the clip are playable, but to make them sound the same, next to impossible. That’s why there’ll never be another. A sad day in the U.K. when we heard the news.
A touching retrospect of the King! Thanks for that Griff…
Love to watch his left hand work on the fret board. I can only dream that I’ll ever be close to that good. RIP Mr. King.
BB!
Just a part of all guitarists family!
How we take for granted till we lost him!
His legacy and influence will always stay alive!
Spijtig dat zo’n man heen moet gaan.
Was, volgens mij, één van de top van deze tijd.
Dank je Grif om BB King te leren appreciëren.
Het ga je goed hier boven BB King.
My he rest in peace I had the opportunity to hear him play in Amarillo Texas . The best blues concert ever. I’m a bass player but I really love the blues on My bass guitar
Mr.BB King,truly one of the greatest influences in the history of the Blues!I saw him at the Circle Star venue in California back in the 1980’s,what a great show,he was an ambassador for the Blues and played straight from the heart and soul.God bless him and his family.The Lord bless him and bring him peace.
My wife & I saw BB at Brisbane’s Festival Hall in ’93. The great blues players all have their unique skills. BB King will always be remembered. So good. Thanks Griff.
Thanks for sharing these song and memories with us . BB King is the person that was person that got me interested in the Blues and it’s a sad day with his passing he will surely be missed . Prayers for him and his family . His music will live on as long as the Blues last forever . RIP Mr. King.
What a wonderful, modest, wise man B.B. King was. So self-effacing and so tasty. He was a class act. I’m only sorry I came to realize how influential he was a lot later than than I should have. He played with all his being, body and soul. Thank the Lord he left so much music and video behind.
I had the honor to meet him and shake his hand in 1980. He was a gentleman to me and I was nobody to him, just a clerk in a camera store. He even tolerated me asking him how Lucille was (she was doing fine).
God bless B. B. King. He influenced a lot of guitar players who in turn, influenced younger guitar players. I saw him perform twice. Every note came from the heart.
rip MR King you will be sorely missed my favorite blues player.chops were so simple but not easy to duplicate because of the feel he had about his music.may his family find peace in this difficult time.
Saw him live multiple times at the cape cod melody tent and was thrilled everytime. Can’t believe I won’t see h live again
May god wrap his arms around you and your family and give them peace. I can only imagine what heaven sounds like now. RIP
Thanks Griff you are the man now. RIP Mr King you will be missed. Not sad he had a wonderful musical life.
TY Griff, those are memories we all value today…there will never be another Riley B. I got a chance to see him and Buddy a few years back…I must say it was a lesson in humility for me. That was on my bucket list to see both of them….and I must say the fire was alive in his playing that night. All I can say is God won’t mind playing rhythm for this man. RIP Riley B!!!
He was the true blues wizard of his time. He could play anything and any kind of music. I never got to see him live in concert, but I listen to him all the time on Sirius X M. The man was boss of blues. My condolences to all his family and other loved ones. RIPBLUESWIZARD K B
Thanks for sharing, sometimes you can forget how much you enjoyed an artist tip you see them again.
Griff I’m 61 year old Parkinson patient I just purchase your Beginers Blues coarse because for over fourth years I’ve wanted to learn to play,my bucket list you could say. Yet this dream has always been inspired by the great blues artist and mostly the King himself May B.B. King rest in peace but his music live forever!
BB KINGS BLUESVILLE on xm today been listening all day I drive a truck I got about 8 hours worth, BB King is the man! I am so amazed by his talent his passion and his personalbilty in his music. They played a live recording and the audience didn’t miss a beat and BB controlled it the beat and audience. just him and Lucille First time ive heard that one Amazing despite being saddened that he has passed listening to his music today just blew me away ive always been a fan but Wow I was smiling all day that’s why hes the King. We are saddened and Lucille has lost her man But the Heavens are being brought down tonight cause BB’s in the house.
My wife and myself travelled from Australia to a place called Ashfield North Carolina in 2007.Especially to see the great man,it was a highlight in my life,he will be sadly missed.
Thanx Griff for a wondeful tribute t BB he taught us all that the blues is alright – last year managed t do the Mississippi blues trail from New Orleans t Chicago – BB’s footprints are everywhere thanks to God – also thanx for the blogs as a guitar player it’s wonderful t learn from ur inputs – the thrill lives on
Hey Griff many thanks for sharing these memories of a truly great Blues man, I was shocked at the news of his death and along with many others, I’m sure the memories of his music came flooding back into my head! His memory will live on in his music as his style was unique and inspiring to all blues fans and aficionados all over the world!
Heard ‘EC’ give his eulogy to the man and in doing so he also showed his grief which spoke a thousand words as to his love and respect of a master at his craft.
THANKS MR. KING
Hey Griff what a great tribute to a great blues man.my heart has been sadden again,BB will be missed by all who love the blues. he leaves behind a treasure trove of his music for us all to enjoy and learn from his style of playing.I grew up listening to him and have been inspired to pick up the guitar and try to play like him.the thrill is gone that’s for sure.
RIP BB King
Great tribute Griff, I’m sure whilst yblues ou and other great guitarist are still around a little bit of BB King lives on
R.I.P BB King
Thanks Teach, At the age of 49. the old style blues is somewhat new to me. The videos are a true inspiration of what the blues are all about!! B.B. will be missed by all !!! RIP
Thanks Griff for sharing these videos with us. The King of the blues will be sorely missed. I would just like to add. Thanks for all the material you send each and everyone of us. The videos and tutorials you have sent me have made me a better player.
Please accept my sincere thanks…..Tony…
A true legend of the blues has come to an end, there’s no doubt he will be greatly miss. I started listen to BB King way,way back in the year of 1951 and I’ve followed him and his music down through the years oh yea and that Guitar who he calls Lucille spell with one L or two, oh boy how he could work those strings yes sir one of the best to ever pick a Guitar…Truly the thrill is Gone RIP BB KING.
The perfect ending for the man and Lucile.
Thanks Griff for allowing us to speak about the great BB King. I have been influenced by BB from the 1970’s. I first heard the blues live at 19 years old. It was Peter Green with John Mayall. I could not believe my ears, what a sound!!! I became a Fleetwood Mac nut. I learnt early blues guitar copying Peter note for note, but could never sound like him.He was my hero and he was working for awhile right across the street from me in a hospital in Slough. Berks., UK. Although I saw him I did not speak to him because he had quit playing at that time and I heard he could be unpleasant if approached about music. 40 years later I did the “proper” mod. on a Les Paul copy and got really close to his sound. Then I fronted a Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac tribute band. At this point in time with all those years playing blues I heard some early “Mac” recordings and realised Peter sounded almost identical to BB when he played “Live at the Regal” Even Peter’s singing was close to BB at that time. I’ve met BB after a show and he WAS the perfect gentleman, Peter Green was was in the room with him too. So to sum Peter was at his best when BB played through him in my humble opinion, and Peter was the best blues player this side of the Atlantic, no one touched him.
John,
very astute comments.Sad to hear of BB’s death.
BB King has always been regarded as a yardstick and inspiration to all younger fans and players.
Like you I truly believe Peter Green to have been the best blues guitarist of my lifetime from our side of the pond.
Quality acts both of them, a shame Peter’s longevity at the top could not have been of a similar length to that of the great man…… Alan
R.I.P. Mr B B King, thank you for the memories. Your now playing on the Big Stage, The Thrill is not gone but beginning.
I was so choked up this morning to hear of BB’s Passing… He was my inspiration to start playing guitar and I even named my blues cat after him. The world will not be the same without this gentle soul and Blues Ambassador. He was known worldwide and will surely be missed. As the song says; ” If there’s a Rock-n-Roll Heaven, You know they got a hell of a Band”…and BB is running the show now. Rest In Peace BB, I know your up there watching us, and I’m gonna pick a few riffs tonite just for you…
We lost a great blues guitar player, but his music will live on forever. You will always be in my heart, and in my guitar music I play.
A great loss. Read an interview & he said that he didn’t like to listen to his records much cause all he could hear was his mistakes. That inspired me as much as his licks. He will be missed.
Thanx Griff for a shot at some of his playing. We have lost a great Musician and human being. RIP BB
RIP BB, now the thrill really is gone. Another great one gone. Thanks for all the great music. Have have a great jam up there.
Thank you BB for everything. Go play with God and Blues On…
As a little boy growing up listening to Mr. B B King on the radio really inspired me to play guitar.
What can you say about a man that hasn’t been said, watching him on TV specials and seeing him in concert is so amazing I’m speechless may you rest in peace Mr.King I love and appreciate your music and humanity.
In my mind BB KING left the world a better place. Thank God for his music. The thrill is gone is a masterpiece . Job well done, Mr King. Thank you , Griff for sharing…
A true blues ambassador… a beautiful man… so mush soul… the hardest working bluesman in the business, sharing his crisp licks, averaging approximately 300 one nighters a year in his prime… I have had the pleasure of seeing him four times… I always visit BB Kings Bar & Grill in Manhattan and I have never been disappointed… we lost a legend and will be sadly missed…
God bless you, B.B. King. Great guitar playing. Great arrangements. Great voice. Great spirit. A tremendous influence on musicians everywhere.
Great tribute thanks griff
In the book “Off My Rocker” by concert promoter Kenny Weissberg, he discloses what music legends were awful to deal with (Chuck Berry) and which ones were great…the greatest being B.B. King.
He tells how demanding some prima donna stars were about the food for them and their entourage. B.B. would just have him pick up stuff at Popeye’s chicken. He also told how B.B. would take time before or after a concert to sit in the floor of the dressing room playing with the son of the promoter.
Mr. King was apparently a gentleman of the highest order, not to mention a music great. The thrill IS gone.
Found out Last Night. Very sad! i’m blessed. I met BB King at a MTV party . He was very nice and we talked about playing music. He told me that music was his life. It kept him in the right place and his spirit was so unique. Wish i could of had a guitar to jam with him, he was my favorite Blues player. RIP my friend. Keeep on playing I’ll hear Yah!
Thank you for the GREAT music Blues Boy !!!
Catch you on the flip side Brah …
We’ll all be there most Rikki – Tic .
Being from Chicago and having the pleasure of playing at some sessions at Chess Records back in the 60s, you come to LOVE the blues and respect the great players like BB, Albert King, Delbert M, Gatemouth Brown, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf and others. BB will be missed by many. RIP BB
BB King, R.I.P. Now there was a guy that could take four notes and really get pure beauty out of them. Great guitar player, but I allways thought his singing voice with that powerfull but sweet bluesy sound together with his guitar ….man that’s what made him the King! And I agree with the response by Arnold about how he learned vibrato from BB King. In my humble opinion he had the best vibrato out there! A great gentleman and musician has left us and my heart is heavy, but thanks for all the joy you left on this earth through your music and I thank God that I got to see you play and feel your vibe personally. Thanks Griff for the tribute you sent out to us all. You’re a class act, very thoughtful.
The world is a sadder,lonelier place.RIP legend
I first saw him at outdoor festivals in the Michigan sixties. Loved that sound. You could always tell his licks. A great man and artist.Thanks Griff for showing us some technique.
I been a fan of BB King for over 50 years where I first got my interest in blues is one of the greatest among guitar players their level B and there are many others
I remember seeing BB King for New Orleans Jazz Festival many years ago and it was one of the greatest performances that I’ve ever seen him do outside and it was really fantastic thanks Griff for this Tribute
shows a lot about your character thank you
DJ
New Orleans
Saw B.B. interviewed by Tavis Smiley about a year ago. Tavis asked him if he had any regrets. He said ” I wished I had practiced more” He was serious. I was inspired by that.
being from Chicago, BB was one of my most favorite intertwined, I loved seeing him , hearing him master his songs, and above all he made you feel the Blues oh so very ,very well. I will miss him as long as I’m alive. A legend is gone, but his music will entertain us forever . God Bless You BB King. Bob Gerleve
It was years after I first heard the Thrill is Gone, that I saw BB play at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles, probably around 1978. I saw him many times after that. His music was/is the kind that writes itself on your soul. He was, in all respects, a very gracious man. He had many hardships in his life, but he overcame them without bitterness and with an amazing optimism which translated through his music. He is now in the arms of God: he is free, free now, and all he can do is wish us well. RIP my friend. BTW Griff, the songs you posted are among my favorites. Thank you for helping me play his music.
Lucille, enough said.RIP
BB King yea , the Greatest ! l was fortunate enough to hear him live several years back when he came to Colorado springs ,Co. He was fantastic, the sound was so good ,and all , and that night he did a spendid version of Key to the Highway, and The Thrill is Gone , wow so cool. A great minimalist in styling ,show often less can be more. We will miss you much BB…
a touching retrospective of the King! Thank you for that, Griff…
Well, the last of the “Three Kings” is gone, and so too an era. I think we have Sam Lay and Buddy Guy, perhaps a few others, left of the “Chicago Sound”. RIP BB King.
A boy with his first transistor radio in defiance of his bedtime finds WGN out of Chicago and hears BB King and the blues for the first time. I will be eternally grateful.
BB King…what more needs to be said. I have seen him so many times, you feel like you know him. He made every person in his audience feel like you were sitting at home just shootin the stuff. I have watched him and seen his shows from the 70’s to just a couple years ago. We all knew he was fighting and that he did.
He worked all the way up to last October in 2014. Every time I looked at his schedule for the year, I would say ” how does this guy do it at his age!” A legend. I had the pleasure of shaking his hand after a show in Reno in the early 2000’s and most recently was backstage at the Santa Cruz Blues Festival a few years ago….what a thrill! While I was able to see him from backstage….it was so much better to watch and even talk to him from the front of the stage! A true gentleman and down home great person.
Heaven is better now as he joins all his friends from the past.
Riley B King did not leave us as we have the pleasure of recordings to continue to enjoy. If there was anyone preparing to see his maker, it was BB. He talked about it in his shows so I take solace in knowing he is (still) a very happy man.
R I P BB KING, The King of the Blues! We will all see you on the other side….my friend.
BB King’s music consists of some of my favorite songs over the years. I was fortunate to finally attend one of his concerts a few years ago when he was 86. At that age, he still put on a great show.
He will be missed, but his music will live on.
I had the treat of a lifetime in a club in Dallas Texas called “Ma Blues”. It was a huge old mansion converted to clubs. There were three clubs in there. One was a smallish room with only about 10 tables. This was 1979. A local blues band was playing, and I was at a table right up front. Unbeknownst to anybody, B.B. King was at a table towards the rear. About 11:30, he stood up and made his way towards the stage. Of course the band recognized him. He was feeling no pain so to speak, and sat in with that band and played until almost 3 A.M., just having a ball and playing “for himself”. Man, oh man!
B.B. King was an icon, is an icon and will always be an icon! The whole world has lost part of its soul with his passing!
Was it BB that said less is more? I think that it is so evident watching and listening to these great performances. Not flashy or watch me rip mentality-just comfortable and right at home in his BB box even though he had huge hands. Thanks for posting these Gruff. We all can learn and be inspired from watching them. King was king of the blues and as Neil Young said “the king is gone but not forgotten”, even though he was referring to a different “king”. RIP and God bless you Riley….
RIP B B. How Blue can we get….
There is a hole in the world of blues today we have lost one of the greats so glad he left us with a legacy of blues music to remember him by I will forever think of him every time I hear thrill is gone that man taught me vibrato and how it works and I’m proud to say that it’s a huge part of my guitar sound R.I.P. BB we will miss you !!!!!!!
You’re a class act Griff. “The Thrill is Gone” It’s a sad day…
A true inspiration to many guitarists a truly admired musician amongst his peers. Listening to his music always have me vibes and chills which I will sorely miss.
B B you are now with your own Sweet a Little Angel.
The Grand Elder Statesman of the blues may be out of sight but not the mind. What a great legacy he has left us,such an inspiration for everyone who takes up the guitar. He will be missed.
now that your gone, baby, all we can do is wish you well…rip bb
BB was above all a great human being who was kind enough to share his gifts.
I think BB’s voice is what made the real magic of his music. His, “from the gut,” soulful, singing, always made me “feel it,” too! The guitar just added some “scream” to it, like “Lucille” was just singing along!
There is a hole in the world today R.I.P BB
Hi Griff,Thank you very much,Like you say there will never be a another BB King.It appears some of the rifs he uses are what you teach,thanks.
The King is gone but the thrill will never be gone.
I saw BB every time he was near San Diego since 1960″s. I guess that makes me one of his groupie’s. His Lucille and his voice truly talked to my soul. I will miss him so very much and cherish the memories he has given me; the music, the dancing, the heart felt joy. RIP my dear friend.
B.B. SANG FROM HIS HEART AND SOUL AND MADE LUCILLE SING ALONG. I’M GRATEFUL TO HAVE SEEN HIM LIVE. I ALSO HAVE A SIGNED ONE OF SEVEN 1998 LUCILLE (RED) WITH X-MAS LIGHTS HAND PAINTED BY GIBSON FOR B.B.’S FUND RAISER BACK IN 98. ALSO A SIGNED GOLD RECORD AND ALBUM OF THIS GREAT BLUES KING.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. NOW GIVE THE THRILL IN HEAVEN.
This Man was one of the first people that I heard play Blues, and played with all his heart and soul. A great Man! I will miss him…
Great tribute. I play the guitar and as a blues player, he helped me enjoy the art of expressing the feelings of being down and out. A Healing that every time I performed, Why I sing the Blue, Thrill is Gone, or Sweet little Angle, it brought me joy in every thing. He was not only the “King of Kings”, He was also a “Healer of Souls”. “RIP” BB.
This sucks. I’m sitting here with blurry eyes feeling like a wall of bricks just fell on me. I’m almost glad I only saw BB King many times and didn’t actually know him. Because if I had known him, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to stand this at all. Thank you, Mr. BB King for spending your entire adult life traveling the world and sharing yourself and your music with us.
I’m going to add “The Thrill Is Gone” to my music shows for the next six months as my tribute to him, and as my humble effort to share what he gave me with my own audiences. Rest In Peace, good sir.
In a video Eric Clapton sent out that was on my Facebook page this morning he said “…this music is almost a thing of the past now and there are not many left that play it in the pure way that BB did.”
I think all of us have a responsibility to the blues. Not trying to be gushy. Too many young people just don’t know. So hit the woodshed. Do your best. And thanks Griff. You made it possible for us.
A true legend in his own lifetime. All the greatest current generation of guitarists probably stole more than a few licks from BB. RIP Mr. King!
RIP BB King.
Iam new to Blues but when you listen to BB it just moves you.
God Speed BB King.
Good bye for now. You are the greatest and you have been an inspiration to many. I suspect you will be back as soon as possible and I will be keeping my ears open for you.
When I was younger and thought “blues” was some sort of historical artifact of music (Before Griff), I went to a James Taylor concert. BB followed Taylor’s show and a number of us, me included, didn’t plan to stay for the late show. Work the next day and so forth. But as I headed for the exit, the first notes of “Thrill is Gone,” circled around me and brought me right back to my seat. Wow. What a blessing to have seen this man perform. BB is gone, but we still have his music. Thanks for a great tribute from Griff and BB’s many fans.
Soul oozed from every note he played. He will be sorrily missed by Blues lovers and
all music lovers around the world.
Good By Mr. Blues
Peter Green inspired this quote from BB. “He has the sweetest tone I ever heard, he was the only one who gave me the cold sweats’ He didn’t say that about Clapton, or anyone else. Maybe it’s time to listen to more Peter Green style playing. He is never mentioned on any lesson, video, or blog. Green’s blues are the real deal.
Might not have been a Griff without a BB…Godfather of Blues!! Thanks, BB!!
R.I.P BB the KING. very sad news for me, last 2 weeks i was learning the thrill is gone. Very painful. Thank you BB King.
R.I.P BB the KING. very sad news for me, last 2 weeks i was learning the thrill is gone. Very painful.
Thank you
R.I.P. Riley! I wasn’t looking forward to this day, just enjoyed him while he was with us. I think they are all with us every time we play their music.
I was ten the first time i heard him on the radio and he made me fall in love with blues music i saw him twice in Paris (France) and each time it was just great, he didn’t play fast but each note came from his soul , thank you so much for all Mr BB KING, R.I.P
I spent many years in my basement playing my guitar to his music. I saw him once in DC at the Warner Theater where he had Bobby “Blue” Bland[Stormy Monday] with him – it was a great concert. Eric Clapton always included him in his festivals and it was great to see him play along with his peers. It was obvious that his peers were honored to sit with him.
R.I.P
Another blues stringer called back home
Not just another blues called back home but a great man too
Griff ,thank you for this forum to express our common respect for this man who changed the world in his own way
Not just a great guitar player but a great human being. A good life lived well.
Thank you for the music BB King- RIP.- the greatest blues player ever. Sorry to say Griff, that you have a long long way to go before you come anywhere near the great BB King. Keep practicing though Bud and change that guitar to sound a lot sweeter please .
I was fortunate ly able to see BB one nite in the 50’s when on leave from my military post- It was in NYC & a great show indeed-I still see it clearly in my mind- RIP, BB—- that was in 1953!
The unique B.B. King style of electric Blues guitar, often described as a ‘sweet’ sounding tone, was motivational for all us students.
So thanks Griff for showing us the B.B King style of soloing.
R.I.P B.B. King.
Saw him play a few times in Tampa, FLorida and every performance was perfection. His back up band always did an excellent also and was a joy to watch.. Thanks for the tribute Griff.
I too was fortunate enough to have seen B.B. King a couple of times. Once with a young Joe Bonamasa, whom he mentored. I took my son with fortunately, so he too remembers. It is a sad day for all that enjoyed his playing, and to think “Lucille” won’t be singing anymore.
One bad ass jam session going on in heaven!
A legend that will not be matched! R.I.P. BB
The great blues story teller He brought both smiles and tears. He didn’t use flash or speed but made you wait for the next line of the story from his voice or his guitar. He will truly be missed by all. Many have learned from him and will in the future, there was but One BB King and he will be missed. God Bless and Hold him in your heart.
Eric Clapton left a moving video eulogy on Facebook. He said more than I could ever say about the man. Thanks for the memories Griff.
I hate that my very first responce has to be on such a sad day and time for many of us. i was lucky enough to see bb at viking hall bristol tn.great show indeed he will be missed at least i too have video of him to still watch
as someone else has already said and i will too along with jimmy vaughn,
HEAVEN DONE CALLED ANOTHER BLUES STRINGER BACK HOME
“REST IN PEACE RILEY BB KING”
RIP BB King and thanks for the clips Griff
Yes he will be missed. BB was the first blue man that I ever heard. He turned me on to the blues. RIP
Very sad news this morning. BB left a legacy and so many great memories for all of us to remember. His impact will be remembered for a very long time. I know his music influenced my guitar playing in so many ways. BB was living proof that quality is so much better than quantity. I’m sure he’s up there jamming with the others as as write this. R.I.P. BB
His guitar playing was an outward manifestation of his soul. And what a beautiful soul it is….
R.I.P. BB you will be missed.
The thrill has certainly gone but there’s some party going on in heaven.
I grew up listening to country music and am only a relatively recent convert to the Blues. I have a lot to catch up on and there’s probably a lot of his songs I’ve still yet to hear.
Woke up this morning over here to the news, Clapton among those paying tribute.
The King is dead
The thrill is gone
Long live the King
The King is dead
The thrill is gone
Long live the King
Great guitar player will be missed, the thrill in not gone, I’m turning sixty and play blues now I know what the blues are, thanks for the music and song’s BB King and thank you Griff for this tribute.
Manny.
Never was and never will be another! The thrill has gone away.
every note in exactly the right place and best time …
now, just one note is missing and it doesn’t seem right.
God bless.
R.I.P BB King, King of the Blues & Blues Guitar who will rein in our hearts and minds forever, his spirit & soul will continue to drive us all to create and enjoy the true blues & blues guitar to eternity. B.B.King has prepared a never ending trail of the true meaning of blues & blues guitar which we will all follow with pride of a magnificent example provided by our Blues Guitar mentor and teacher Griff Hamlin.
Michael- Sydney Australia
Rode hard and put up wet~! BB King is the Blues.
Right up to the last, a sharer of great joy.
Thank you, BB. I appreciate you.
Griff, you are the best~!
JimJ
5/15/2015
God Bless BB King.
I’ve been inspired by his heart felt songs & simplistically intrensic guitar works. The true King of the Blues. I’m glad I’ve had the Honor and pleasure to see him 3 times in the last 10 years.
Also as the Mayor of Bluesville on XM Satellite I listen to BB’S countless stories as he shared his encounters with sooo many other world class blues artist through out the world, as I worked in my shop at Home. As He will be Missed, His story will remain forever in Blues History. ł
R I P Mr. King
BB WAS TO THE BLUES AS ELVIS WAS TO ROCK AND SINATRA TO BALADS,
THE BEST AND TOP IN HIS FIELD.
BB YOU WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN .
THE LORD LOVED MUSIC , SO WE ON EARTH KNOW WHERE YOU ARE.
BREAK A LEG MY IDOL
TOP IN HIS FIELD
Rock and roll heaven has another music icon but he left us great memories that inspire us to keep the Blues alive in his honor. God bless and keep you B.B. King and thank you for sharing your talents for so many years. The thrill is gone; but never to be forgotten.
There was BB king,then every one else in his shadow.
RIP
He was one of the greatest and will be missed by all Bluesies.R.I.P.
There it is! You don’t have rule the Fretboard . B.B. King played in one spot! Probably the House pattern. He got all the mileage of his Guitar from that spot! He probably didn’t know what the Pentonic scale was& & with those big fingers, he couldn’t play cord if he tried ! So don’t get all bent about playing the Guitar, just got find your own sweet spot!
Jeffrey Goblirsch
Had the luck of seeing the King play so many times in Chicago. Snuck in to many a Blues joints as a 14 year old and BB was the consummate performer, gentleman and impromptu teacher! The Good Times will forever roll as his music will live on in each and every one of us! Thanks Griff for the clips!
R.I.P. BB King,
We all lost a great guitarist. But his music will live on forever! My prayers to all his Fans and Family.
The Blues found me in 1969 when I first heard BB playing The Thrill is Gone.It gave me a mellow feeling that no one can take away.Thank you BB, you will be sorely missed. Played a BB lick the best I could in your honour tonight. And thanks for this BB page and brilliant lessons Griff.
Griff H.
What an icon. We are all at a loss. Thanks for this tribute you posted.
“Cousinmike”
Well, sad/sad, we guitar player just lost a King guitar player. Very few such artist see the light. Hope he keeps inspiring us …..Jean – Canada –
Thanks Griff for the Tribute…
Well, sad/sad, we guitar player just lost a King guitar player. Very few such artist see the light. Hope he keeps inspiring us …..Jean – Canada
What a great guitar player, started to play 4 months ago he and you motivate me.I retired and 70 ,you inspire me.
Much loved – already sorely missed – will be a name that lives in music history for … if not forever … for as long as anyone cares about the blues. Style, imagination, subtlety, command. One of the best.
Greatest that ever was! Now may he he truly be “Riding With The King!”
very sad for the blues. rip B.B.KING.
What a wonderful Entertainer! He will be missed with a wonderful legacy of music to enjoy for all.
We have been to Indianola, Miss., to he BB King Museum, and to Clarksdale, Miss.I have seen him 3 times on the East Coast. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Larry Pitts
P.S. Thank you Griff for teaching us,his music will last forever.
One of the great music icons of our times…and that vibrato…R.I.P…
it does’nt get any better than that .
bill
The first Blues song I ever learned to play lead on 18 years ago when I decided to become a lead guitarist was “Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King. Love everything about him. The way he played, the way he sang and most of all his classy way of conducting himself.
This was a true entertainer who had an amazing work ethic which he used to maintain his fabulous talent at such a high level well into old age. And most of all HE HAD CLASS!!
I imagine this is the day is one dreaded by many of B.B’s disciples like Eric Clapton.
The real King of The Blues is dead, long Live The King!!
A sad loss. One of my favourite albums is Riding With the King, by EC and BB.
And thanks for the “BB Box”. It shows how great music can come from only a few notes – and great talent. Thanks to Griff for showing me that one.
Saw him in Atlanta in the late 70’s. Great show. Huge influence on me. He will be missed.
R.I.P Dear BB King, One of the very best Blue Musicians who walked this earth.
Mr. Blues King, you have passed away but your music wont !
Grif,
It is with great sadness we all have to write these little
tributes to a great blues man.He was a fine human being,excellent
guitarist,and when he meets the maker I’m sure that will be taken into
consideration. I think in one way or the other B.B.King did something
for everybody. In my case he showed me to embrace the notes that say
the most, and leave the others behind,and that’s the one thing I’am
so grateful to him for. I do hope he finds a kinder place in his new
travels.
RIP Mr.King
Patrick Quinlivan
A friend & I had the opportunity to fill a life long dream and ride our bikes down to the Delta and visit the “birthplace” of the Blues and BB King. We rode to the BB King Museum in Indianola just after closing time :(. We took that as our excuse to ride to the Delta a second time. That ride culminated at Red’s Lounge in Clarksdale MS. One of the last real juke joints!! That night we were blessed to watch Robert Belfour play some Mississippi Hill Country Blues!! We will get to the BB King Museum one day. Thank you & RIP Riley B King!!!!
I think he enjoyed playing for us as much, maybe even more than we enjoyed listening to him tell his stories on the guitar. As Eric Clapton once said “No one gets more music out of one note than BB King”. RIP
A true legend RIP
A LESSON FOR US ALL!!!
So So Sad, But his music will live on and on. RIP B.B. King
So very, very saddened at his passing on….
Arguably, the most influential and hardest-working bluesman to ever embrace the blues music and so accurately, passionately perform it.
All he needed was an audience, his guitar, amp, chord and talent to mesmerize even the most skilled musicians….. no wall of amps or effects….. just himself !!!! He brought so much to millions of fans !!!!
Thank you. Going to be miss.
Amen to that Griff – one of the greats – will be sorely missed by all guitarists both famous and unknown…..RIP
Thank you Griff for this wonderful tribute to the King. That version of The Thrill Is Gone is an absolute masterpiece. And as it has been said many times, no one, absolutely no one can wring so much heart and soul from a single note as the great Riley B. King. He is the absolute reason that I am into the blues. Rest in Peace B.B.!!
he didnt die God, ( and heard this someplace } God wanted guitar lessons. He will be missed by many had infulenced alot of guitar greats . A brilliant very driven man whos only real joy was to see smiling faces . the blues man ct. we can still be thankfull that all can still experience videos of Him .
God doesn’t need guitar lessons! He gives lessons!
Why he wanted BB with him is because BB has earned his place playing for God and Jesus! He is now free od all earthly illness and is restored to his full greatness where BB, Jesus and The real King can have a trio playing wonderful music for an eternity!
God blessed BB and will continue to bless him forever!
Amen
I saw BB in 2004 at a blues festival in St Louis, great show, he shared the stage with Kenny Wayne Shepherd just before shepherd went to rehab, Shepard wasn’t so good but BB was the complete professional, my signature guitar pick will have a special place now. Rest in peace
The big guy has gone from us. RIP
The big guy is gone from us. RIP
I have always loved the guitar and hope to be B.B. Queen….RIP MY KING
I have always loved the guitar. I hoped to be B.B. Queen – RIP my King
I don’t think I have ever heard anyone play the guitar so tenderly as BB King RIP
You’re a classy guy Griff for this tribute. I enjoyed BB for many years and you personally have helped me grow on the guitar. In some sense you are as mild and pleasant a man as he was.
God bless you and your family.
You gave your life to the Blues
No one, will fill, your Music Shoes
You made us Smile,Laugh,and Sing
RIP the great BB King
If it were not for B. B. King, I would never have bee attracted to the Blues.
Griff, I am counting on you to help me play the right notes at the right time.
B.B. will be missed.
Goodbye BB , and many thanks for all the years of wonderful Blues music bb again Lee.
He was a true ambassador of the blues and seemed to enjoy sharing the spotlight with others. Think of all of us he inspired to play music.Saw him in Austin at Auditorium Shores best show I have ever seen.
Just watched the “Thrill has gone” clip what a performer, fantastic. I saw him when he came to
Australia back in the early 1970’s great performance. RIP BB
Goodbye BB , I know that your up there In Heaven playing the Blues etc, and praising God as only you can. Thanks for all your music over the many years , again Many Many thanks Lee.
The Thrill is Gone but lives on RIP
That was a great tribute to a great player RIP BB King
R I P May the Lord keep you safe
Heaven done called THE bluesman back home.
The Blues got the Blues.
What an amazing entertainer.
Luceille should go to the Smithsonian.
He didn’t play a lot of notes and he did not play particularly fast, but every note he played was the right note!
Listening to the news this morning, I never knew he started out as “Blues Boy” King, then to just B.B. King. It’s great that the thrill is not gone every time we listen to his music. What a wonderful gift he gave us.
A great man will be missed.
he was the best blues man ever
Never got to see you perform live. But I have spent many hours with you and Lucille. The king is dead. Long live the king.
I was privileged to see the great man in concert several times. I even saw him on one occasion playing in his own club when visiting Memphis, Tennessee. It’s a sad day but the music lives on.
BB had a great life, Loved his part on Sanford & Son, a true Gentleman and humble person, I had the great time and unforgettable experience to have been on the same stage with Mr King, in Clarksdale Ms. at the annual Blues festival at the Blues Museum,Due to the way I was dressed, Gold suit rings on each finger etc, Dressed for the occasion was invited to play a tune of my choice with BB, I chose Getto Woman!! BB looked at me to give me air time, I almost passed out, gathered myself and somehow instinct took over and did a short solo, That was the high point in my music. Winked at me shook my hand
Hope the Three Kings are jamming right now. What an influence they all are they inspired so many including me…….Awesome. …
So sad to hear of BB’s passing, saw him just the once about the time U2 released “when love come to town”, great great man.
Take care all.
C.
Saw him the 1st time in 1970 with Carla Thomas at the Royal Box in NYC.
He’s never done anything but get better!
RIP BB
What a life, thanks for your music and how you influenced so many. RIP
The blues world will never be the same- RIP Mr. King
R.I.P. B.B. King…….. gonna miss you! Good man and a great guitar player.
Thanks to you Griff for helping me play more like him through your lessons.
RIP
i am a Chromatic gospel and jazz player and I grew up on the Blues and BB King . I send out condolences to the Family of Music that loved his appearing in our lives. god be the glory