Riley B. King, born on September 16, 1925, became widely known by his stage name, B.B. King. He was an American blues musician celebrated for his work as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Often referred to as “The King of Blues,” he is remembered as one of the most influential blues musicians in history. Alongside Albert King and Freddie King, he is recognized as one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar.”
B.B. King developed one of the most recognizable guitar styles in the world, characterized by fluid string bending, shimmering vibrato, and vocal-like phrasing. Inspired by blues icons such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and T-Bone Walker, King integrated complex string techniques with emotional expression, making his style indispensable to the vocabulary of rock and blues guitarists. His left-hand vibrato and economical phrasing became a model for countless musicians across genres.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked King No. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (he was previously ranked No. 3 in the 2003 edition). He also earned the No. 17 spot on Gibson’s “Top 50 Guitarists of All Time.” Music scholar Edward M. Komara credited King with introducing a sophisticated soloing style that heavily influenced nearly every subsequent electric blues guitarist.
B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and later into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2014, further solidifying his legacy in American music history. His impact stretched beyond the blues, as he infused styles such as jazz, swing, mainstream pop, and jump blues into his work, creating a unique and enduring sound.
| Birth Date: | 16 Sep, 1925 |
| Age: | 94 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Berclair |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist |
| Net Worth 2021: | 10 million |
