Blues legend and Mississippi native B.B. King passed away today and the world couldn't feel heavier. Here was a man who lived the blues and played them in hopes that we, the listeners, wouldn't have to. Whether it was to get us through rough times, to better enjoy our good times, or just to marvel at a man who reinvented the way we play the guitar, B.B. has been a go to for musicians and music lovers for over a half a century. At 89, he continued to perform his whole life with as much soul as any performer could hope to display in his youngest days. In tribute to him, here are three performances that show why B.B. King was a legend among men. Farewell Mr. King. You have left us with a collection that will last us another life time and more.
Live at Sing Sing Prison
Record on Thanksgiving Day in the 1970's. This is filmed inside Sing Sing, New York's maximum security prison, in East Harlem. Take note of B.B.'s showmanship with his dynamic stage presence that drives the members of the crowd. What kind of crazy energy was in this room that day? I can't even imagine what it might have been like to be present there.
Live in Japan 1971
Until 1971, the Japanese thought the blues was that feeling you get when you sit awake at night, wondering when the next Godzilla attack will come. B.B. King changed all that by showing what a monster he was on guitar in this live performance of "All Over Again". The four and a half minute display of soloing displays all of his signature moves. Powerful, precise bends, clean runs, and tormented facial expressions. The guy put so much sweat into his playing that sometimes you wondered whether he was weeping the blues as he performed. Great number.
The Thrill is Gone 1974
Alive with the raw energy only the blues can deliver, B.B. King and his backing band knocked this performance of "The Thrill Is Gone" out of the park, during this three day festival that accompanied the Muhammad Ali vs. George Foremen boxing match that was about to take place. In this video, King shows himself at his most limber, giving great expression and range to his playing. He is also at the top of his game with his vocal delivery in this number. A combination that afforded viewers the opportunity of a life time.
I hope you've enjoyed this article. On a happy note, I have uploaded podcast #48 with Naomi Page and Brinson Smith, the mysterious couple I photographed last week on the Biloxi Beach as Brinson was proposing to Naomi. The story spread online and we found each other, meeting to talk about their relationship and the story as a whole. You can listen to it on the Coastal Noise Podcast page.
Thanks for reading
Stefan
I hope you've enjoyed this article. On a happy note, I have uploaded podcast #48 with Naomi Page and Brinson Smith, the mysterious couple I photographed last week on the Biloxi Beach as Brinson was proposing to Naomi. The story spread online and we found each other, meeting to talk about their relationship and the story as a whole. You can listen to it on the Coastal Noise Podcast page.
Thanks for reading
Stefan
