November
2003 Feature Story
B.B. King
11/18 (w/special guest Jackie Green) @ McCaw Hall, Seattle, 8pm; 11/23
@ Roseland Theater, Portland, OR
How much more can you say about this great ambassador of the blues? He’s
been there since almost the beginning of the blues, although he’d
have to be over a hundred years old and he’s only in his 70s. His
experience covers the span of the migration of the blues from the Mississippi
Delta (his hometown is Indianola, MS) to Memphis, Chicago and then the
world, in his current position as the most well known bluesman on the
planet. He has influenced more than his share of blues, rock and other
artists and brings with him one of the best live blues shows touring today.
Among his many awards and honors are the frequent Entertainer of the Year,
Best Band and more at the W.C. Handy Blues Awards, held annually in Memphis,
TN, where you can also find B.B. King’s club, one of the thriving
businesses on Beale Street today.
You most likely saw him speak in The Blues film series on PBS about a
month ago talking about his history and his connections to Memphis and
showing what it’s like for B.B. King and company on the road. His
stories and great quotes, which are part of this seven film series still
available on DVD, give even more meaning to the blues for old and young
alike.
His most recent recording is called Reflections, released on MCA records
and includes his version of What A Wonderful World, and I Want A Little
Girl. Truth is, B.B. King can record whatever he wants to, from pop hits
to jazz to disco or movie soundtrack hits, and it’ll still sound
like B.B. King and nobody else. He’s a one-of-a-kind gem in the
music world, a consumate entertainer and he gives the blues a good name
all over the world.
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