B.B. King

Definition

B.B. King was a legendary American blues guitarist and singer, known as 'The King of Blues' for his profound influence on the genre and his innovative guitar techniques. His expressive style, characterized by soulful bends and vibrato, helped shape the sound of electric blues, blending elements of jazz and gospel. King's music not only captivated audiences but also paved the way for future generations of musicians across various popular music genres.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. B.B. King was born on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and began playing music at a young age, developing his unique style as he learned to play the guitar.
2. His first major hit was 'Three O'Clock Blues' in 1949, which helped establish him as a significant figure in the blues genre and brought him national recognition.
3. King's technique of 'string bending' created a singing tone on his guitar that mimicked the human voice, making his solos highly expressive and emotionally resonant.
4. He released more than 40 studio albums throughout his career and received numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, showcasing his impact on both blues and popular music as a whole.
5. B.B. King's influence extended beyond the blues genre; many rock and pop musicians cite him as an inspiration for their own work, highlighting his role in bridging musical styles.

Review Questions

• How did B.B. King's guitar techniques contribute to the evolution of blues music?
  • B.B. King's guitar techniques played a significant role in evolving blues music by introducing expressive string bending and vibrato that mimicked vocal styles. His ability to convey deep emotion through his solos helped define what electric blues could be. By combining elements from jazz and gospel into his playing, he not only enhanced the blues genre but also influenced countless musicians across various styles.
• Discuss the cultural impact of B.B. King on popular music beyond just the blues genre.
  • B.B. King had a substantial cultural impact on popular music by bridging the gap between blues and other genres like rock, jazz, and R&B. His collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds helped to bring blues influences into mainstream music. King's ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt performances inspired many musicians to explore the emotional depth found in their own work, promoting a greater appreciation for blues as a foundational element of American music.
• Evaluate how B.B. King's use of the guitar as an expressive instrument changed perceptions about musical virtuosity in popular music.
  • B.B. King's innovative use of the guitar significantly changed perceptions about musical virtuosity in popular music by demonstrating that technical skill could be paired with emotional expression. His playing showcased that complex techniques like string bending could convey powerful feelings rather than just displaying technical prowess. This shift encouraged musicians to prioritize emotional connection in their performances, which has become a critical aspect of musical artistry across genres today.

Related terms

Blues: A genre of music that originated in the African American communities in the Deep South of the United States, characterized by its use of specific chord progressions and emotive lyrics.

Lucille: The name of B.B. King's beloved guitar, a Gibson ES-355, which he famously used throughout his career and attributed a personal connection to.

Electric Guitar: A guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its strings into electrical signals, allowing for amplified sound and a variety of tonal possibilities, which became essential in modern music.