RIP, Riley B. King

ruger9

Thank you God, for giving us Riley B. King. He brought much joy to this world, and music today wouldn't be the same without him. I know *I* wouldn't be.

I'm blessed that I got to see him before he passed. Even sitting in a chair the whole time, and getting lost/forgetting lyrics, it was one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. He was a true statesmen for the blues, a gentlemen, and a fine human being. One of the absolute musical greats of ALL TIME.

God Bless You, Mr. King. Now go trade licks with SRV and Jimi....

clavan

RIP BB King, we should miss you, "the trill is gone"

JimCampilongo

My first guitar teacher, the wonderful Bunnie Gregoire took me to Circle Star Theater in San Carlos (where the circular center stage rotated in the middle of the audience) to see B.B. This is when I first started playing. I think I'd been playing about 4 months. I remember Bunnie giving me binoculars instructing "check out his vibrato!". I didn't know what vibrato was at the time! I'll never forget B.B shaking those strings, grimacing - looking like a million bucks.

BrianSSF

The Circle Star Theater was certainly a unique venue. Built in the early '60s and closed in '93, it burned down in '97. I still can't drive down 101 without looking for the big marquee which no longer exists, announcing the ghosts of upcoming attractions.

B.B. King was a frequent headliner. Check out who else appeared there, quite a variety to say the least:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_Star_Theater

JimCampilongo

Brian- I feel the same way when I drive 101.

I saw B.B, Chet Atkins (Larry Carlton solo opened), Merle Haggard (twice- Desert Rose Band opened), Conway Twitty, George Jones, Redd Foxx, The Freaky Executives and a production of Jesus Christ Superstar- at the Circle Star Theater.

And I think I'm forgetting a few!

cwilliams

I got to see b.b. twice towards the end of my high school career. The first show the whole band had just come from vacation and they were dressed down, still a great show. The second time they were all in suits and it was amazing. I was front row and at the end b.b. Held out his pick and I froze for what seemed like an eternity looked both ways and took it seeing as no one else was.
The rest of the night I clutched it and showed it off to all my guitar friends. Now it lives in a pick collection (with one of jims picks!)
I remember being really impressed by b.b. Kings rhythm guitar player and left wanting to learn some of those "fancier" chords he played.

BlueCajun

I got to see BB King in concert at the House of Blues in Orlando in 2000. Although he sat the whole time, he still put on a wonderful performance. He had a way of connecting with the audience that made you feel like he was having a personal conversation with you. They don't make very many showmen like him anymore.

His music has had such a profound impact on my playing. His phrasing and ability to weave in and out of major and minor blues scales is unmatched IMO. And what more can you say about his vibrato? Just magical. I find it really interesting that he developed it trying to imitate the slide vibrato of his cousin, Bukka White. I guess it goes to show that you never know where you will find inspiration.

Rest in Peace, BB.

Professortwang

I agree, have never seen a person that could make the entire audience feel like they were in a personal conversation with them like B.B. could. My wife and I took my kids when they were little to see him perform. Fantastic experience! His playing was beautiful just like his personality he will be greatly missed!