His guitar style influenced many “- Aftonbladet

BB King is dead.

The initials stand for Blues Boy, but it was not a boy, but giant he became famous.

He inspired many greats. He received awards, as The Polar Prize in 2005. And he was a great performer and entertainer.

The first time I saw BB King was in Umeå in 1973. I remember the long train journey from Stockholm and how cold it was in Umeå. It was the jazz festival and the weekend also played Duke Ellington with orchestra, Dexter Gordon and Swedish greats.

But mostly I remember the BB King. A showman and superb guitarist who made a strong impression on the music world, whether it was called the blues or jazz or rock. A few years earlier, his timeless “The Thrill Is Gone”. He recorded albums with both skilled jazz musicians and with the London pop and rock stars.

BB King’s guitar named Lucille. He played spectacular solos, but let your fingers rest while he sang.

His roots were in blues. With a poor upbringing in Mississippi where he was born as Riley King 16 September 1925. He moved as a young Memphis, Tennessee. There was his cousin, musician Bukka White , and there was Sonny Boy Williamson II that gave young Riley King a chance in King Biscuit Radio Hour.

It was in Memphis, he began to call himself the Beale Street Blues Boy, music street blues childhood neighborhood. Blues Boy was BB. From Memphis to the whole world.

His guitar style influenced many and BB King recorded with, among other Carole King and Ringo Starr , Peter Green , Al Kooper and U2 on “Rattle and Hum”. A few years ago he appeared with President Obama , Mick Jagger , Buddy Guy and others.

He opened his own blues clubs including the middle of the most touristy district of 42dn street in New York. There you can join at BB Blues Club & amp; grill with Lucille cafe and listen to gospel and soul or a Beatles Brunch. Many kinds of concerts.

He was almost 90 years old. BB King kept the music going and Blues Boy grew into one of the largest. Blues is strong blue tales of sorrow and pain, but the Blues Boy spread much joy and inspiration. The echo of his music can still be heard and will sound a long time.