BB King

BB King (1925-2015) is perhaps the most recognizable of all blues singers and guitarists. His career began in the late 1940s and he was still just before he passed away earlier this Spring. He is best known for his fluid string-bending vibrato - which has been much- imitated by both blues and rock guitarists. His style relies almost entirely on single string runs with an occasional rhythm chord thrown in here and there.

His style changed noticeably in the early 1960s when he joined ABC-Paramount Records. Before that, his style was inspired more by his idol T-Bone Walker. This "early" BB King sound can be heard on tunes such as "3"Oclock Blues," "Bad Case of Love," and "Recession Blues."

Around 1964, King began to play more solos in the "third" blues position - based on the IV chord. This, combined with his heavy emphasis on single-note vibrato and bends, produced what has become his signature sound. King's famous "Live At The Regal" LP in 1964 displayed this new sound in one of the most magnificent live performances ever captured on vinyl.

King was noticed nationally in 1970 with his Grammy-winning tune "The Thrill Is Gone."