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. 

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.

 

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.

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 casual decision to bike down the beach yesterday evening, with cyclist trainer and friend, Ride Master Spain, lead to a series of shots that I felt would be worth sharing. I was finding one cool spot after another, with people out and about fishing or walking along the water, and thought the evening couldn't get much better. Then, as I was riding back west, my music player in one ear, I happened to glance up to my nine o'clock to look at the ocean. That's when I saw this guy on his knee proposing to a shocked girlfriend. I came to an immediate stop and looked on in my own shock. I have never stumbled upon a proposal before in which, besides another girl who was there to take pictures of the surprise, I was the only one who witnessed it. Here I am, thinking I've just had a near perfect day and took all of these great shots, and then a random marriage proposal takes place right in front of me on the beach at sunset. What a closer! 

I grabbed a few pics and watched for another minute as the two embraced and laughed together. When they finally came out of their bubble and noticed me up at the road, I threw both hands up and gave a great shout of approval. I really hope someone reading this knows who these two are. I would love to congratulate them and share these pictures with them (see below). As an unsuspecting bystander who just happened to be out taking pictures, I would think that my shots would be something unique to have. Ten years down the road they could look back and say to their kids, "And these were the shots taken by some random guy who did this thing called the Coastal Noise Podcast. We think it has something to do with aliens and eating vegetables." 

I guess the best course of action is to get this post to go viral. Let's shoot for, say, a hundred million shares and a billion likes. That should get somebodies attention that has a connection to them. No but really, if I could get this thing circulated even just a little, there is a good chance they will find it eventually. The coast is a small world! If you want to help me connect these two love birds to this story, the share button is just below. 

Spread the spring love and ride on!

Stefan

PS-If you like the shots, you can check out more on my photography page, or click here to see my newinstagram account. Also, if you haven't listened to the new podcast (CNP #47 with Christopher "Iron Lightning Boy" Hartfield) on Native American Cultures and Primitive Living, I highly recommend it. You can listen to it and any other episode here. 

And of course...The Proposal!

Here is a few other honorable mentions, taken by Ride Master Spain. He helped make a lot of the shots possible yesterday. Thank you sir! 

Thanks for viewing! Come back anytime.