Born on September 16, 1925, in Berclair, Mississippi, Riley B. King — better known as B.B. King — remains one of the most influential figures in the history of the blues. Nicknamed “The King of the Blues”, he transformed the genre with his soulful phrasing, expressive bends, and signature vibrato, always played on his beloved guitar, Lucille.

B.B. King began his career in the 1940s and soon became a central figure of modern blues, with timeless classics such as The Thrill Is Gone, Everyday I Have the Blues, and Sweet Little Angel. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he released dozens of albums and performed thousands of concerts worldwide, influencing countless musicians across generations.

His achievements include 15 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Beyond the blues, he worked alongside greats like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Chuck Berry, cementing his place as a true legend of American music. B.B. King passed away on May 14, 2015, in Las Vegas, leaving behind an immense legacy that continues to inspire artists and fans around the world.

On MusikMachine, you’ll find a beautiful tribute postcard and the official program from the JVC Super Session 1992 concert dedicated to the artist. Explore our Jazz / Blues and Rock sections for more legendary music collectibles.