It was his time.
B.B. King passed away Thursday at the age of 89 after a lifetime of delivering a world of wonder to anybody who opened their ears to the blues.
With the famous guitar he named Lucille, Riley “Blues Boy” King rang out notes of beauty that struck you that second, hung out for delicious moments, and stayed with you forever. He sang with a deep tone, genuine knowledge and universal appeal.
His music, the blues, grew from the south and spread through America and the world. His songs — “Everyday I Get the Blues,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Let the Good Times Roll” — affected musicians then and now. The tributes will be many. Turn on your TV and scroll your favorite search engine after you read this piece.
People whose lives he touched will say this and that.
B.B. King touched my life, personally. When I became the music writer and critic for the big daily in 1991, that made me one of the fortunate ones.
A tour brought Mr. B.B. King, as his traveling manager always announced him on stage, to Syracuse, to the pretty Landmark Theatre. I was stoked. I’d seen him perform there already with a group of newspaper friends when I was still working in the sports world, so I was ready to talk to him on the phone for an advance.
B.B. had recently published an autobiography, so he was ready to talk to me, too. So with that trademark voice of his, I heard stories about his troubled youth and his marvelous Lucille and his way with women. Bit of swagger from the 70-something there, yes. He was a spokesperson for a diabetes medicine, and I had been diagnosed with Type II. I mentioned that, and off he went with concern and personal stories and advice. The clock ticked and I typed and when it was all over, I had one hell of an interview and respect for a legend that would give a writer from Syracuse a whole lot of phone time.
He played the hell out of Lucille when the show date rolled around.
It was the first of many of his shows I reviewed in my 22 years at that job.
Alas, I witnessed what age can do, culminating in last year’s headlining performance at the M&T Syracuse Jazz Fest at Onondaga Community College.
The legend struggled mightily during his set. There were several moments when he hit his stride, yes, there were.
And in those passages, the guitar work of B.B. King, the voice of B.B. King, brought back memories of all those wonderful things the man had provided for all of us all of these years.
The rest of the time, we wondered why he was still going out on stage with his band when he could get so confused and make things feel so awkward.
Today I look at that show through a different prism.
How lucky we all were to see B.B. King that one last time, to appreciate those moments when it all came together for him as they had for more than 70 years of performing.
Today, the amount of people in Syracuse, N.Y., who said they were on the campus of Onondaga Community College that night in June 2014 may have just doubled. A year from now, when people are talking about the magic of the music of Mr. B.B. King, it may triple.
What a gift B.B. King gave the world. And now that “The Thrill Is Gone,” and it’s up to us to make sure to “Let the Good Times Roll.”
Did you ever see B.B. King in concert, and if so, what are your memories of it? What’s your favorite B.B. King song, and why? Which music legend passed do you miss the most, and why?
Mark, I thought about you immediately the morning I saw the news where BB had passed. RIP, Mr. King! ❤
LikeLike
Thanks for knowing how I feel, my dear. We loved B.B. ❤
LikeLike
You know you.would have the right to share your interview and all BB King told you. This was so respectful of you to listen and learn everything he would tell you. I am glad to know he had concerns for you, Mark.
He sounds like a true deserving legend and down to earth, too. Thanks for this really special share.
LikeLike
Excellent tribute to a great man.
May the good times keep on rollin on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ian, for bringing your views and Oz to this tribute page to the legend B.B. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great tribute, my friend 🙂
LikeLike
How sad he is gone. What an honor it must have been to interview him, Mark. Not many people can say that. He will be missed but not forgotten.
LikeLike
It was exciting, Amy. I knew he was a legend even then. Thanks for adding to our B.B. tribute page here, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was lucky enough to see him twice at Jazz Fest in the 90’s. The best was at one of the Friday night after fest concerts at the UNO arena. He was joined on stage by Bonnie Raitt. It was magical.
LikeLike
Wow, to see him mash-up with Bonnie, that was a cool moment, Christy. I’m glad you had the chance to catch that. Thanks for pitching in to our tribute page for B.B., my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lucky guy you are to have crossed the path of such a legend. I didn’t know his name was Riley. Such a long, rich life he was blessed to live, entertaining right up until the end. Great tribute you have here, Mark, thanks for sharing your memory. The thrill is indeed gone. Van (I wonder what will happen to Lucille ??)
LikeLike
I hope Lucille goes to some hall of fame somewhere, Van. Thanks for being part of our little tribute page to B.B., my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
i love your personal connection to b.b. and have never seen him live, though i’m sure it would have been unforgettable. his passing will leave a huge hole int he music community, but his legacy continues on in so many people who he inspired and continues to inspire.
LikeLike
His music will continue to feed the world’s hunger for blues, Beth. Thank you for taking part in our page of tribute for B.B. right here, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate his legend Mark, only ever saw him on video.
LikeLike
He was pretty good on video, though. Thanks for joining in with our tribute page here, MBC. 🙂
LikeLike
You’re welcome MBM. 🙂 Some people’s abilities and talents cross genres and deserve a nod from everyone. 🙂
LikeLike
His “Together Again Live” album with Bobby Blue Bland remains one of my all-time favorites. Recorded at the Coconut Grove, 1976 or so. Great stuff.
LikeLike
You are correct, Mr. McKeever. Thanks for joining in with our tribute page. His work wioth Bobby Blue Bland had to be mentioned, and I had an inkling you would be the soul for the job. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
May all who love and who will miss B.B. King be comforted in their time of need.
LikeLike
Thanks for adding to our tribute page here, Angie McFly. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
My privilege. Thank you for the opportunity.
LikeLike
The world is less magical without him.
LikeLike
Thanks for adding your praise to our tribute page here, Jay. Indeed.
LikeLike
I never saw King in concert and I am sorry to hear of his passing. His music transcends generations. Dad loves him. I love him. And I’m sure I could convince my daughter to love him.
❤ RIP BB King ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Yes, Diana, the man’s live spanned 89 years and his music will span that many more, at least. Thank you for adding to his tribute here, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
great tribute mark…. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Y. I appreciate that from the musical family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLike
I had the pleasure of serving his back-up singers, support crew and band, but that’s as close as I got to the man himself. But his music has always been ambrosia to my ears.
LikeLike
It’s pretty neat that his whole entourage stayed at your hotel, Hook. They are a neat bunch, too, as far as I can tell. James “Boogaloo,” his nephew, seems like a load of fun as well as a great trumpet player. And, oh, the music, as you say.
LikeLike
What a lovely tribute to a phenomenon of music. You write so well my friend. Thank You for your kind words about this wonderful legend.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words, Nancy, and adding to this tribute to our legend. Now listen to a good song, my friend, and enjoy his pure blues. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am going to right now as I get ready to start my day!
LikeLike
Did you work late last night or play late, Nancy? Even with the time difference … 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yuuupp! HA HA HA
LikeLike
You! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this, Mark. Though I never got as close to him as you did, he certainly touched my life. He was one of a handful of players who made me love the blues.
LikeLike
I’m glad you are tuned in, too, Scott. What a player. I was lucky to have gotten that close because of my job.
LikeLike
A beautiful tribute, Mark. I took the time to read it slowly, twice,, appreciating M.B. and B.B.
LikeLike
Thank you, Ann. B.B. was something for so long.
LikeLike
A sad day for the music world Mark. It is amazing that you got to talk to the great man and discuss his life’s work. I have never seen him live but I like his music.
Nice tribute.
LikeLike
Thank you, Paul. It was a big day for me, that one.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this anecdote, Mark. I love hearing about all your experiences and the lives you’ve mingled with.
LikeLike
I am fortunate to have had these opportunities and to have this platform to get them out in the world still. Unfortunately, this is a sad time for this particular memory, my friend. Thank you for joining in to remember B.B.
LikeLike
Yes … a lovely tribute mark. He was and will always be a great musician. he will be missed. …. thanks for the wonderful article.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words, and for adding to a tribute to B.B. that I hope will build here with comments from around the world, like yours, with a reach as far as his music.
LikeLike
Thank you, Mark. As always, you write it well
LikeLike
Thanks very much for your kind words, Martha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was a huge influence on me and every other guitar player that I know. Live At The Regal is a case study in the art of the blues. He was a gentleman and an ambassador, and we were lucky to have him as long as we did. Rest In Peace Mr. B.B. King.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for gracing my space with your tribute, Mark. You now can say you played at the same jazz fest as B.B. King’s final Syracuse show. Sad and memorable all at once for you, I imagine.
LikeLike
Yes, just heard about this Mark. Sad news but a life well lived I’d say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
B.B. got to do and see so much, Marissa, and we all are richer for it.
LikeLike
True that!
LikeLike
Lovely tribute, Mark. I never got to see the great man in concert, but he will always be a part of my musical DNA.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bruce. Too bad you did not get a chance to see him at one of his Syracuse-area shows. I know you are plugged into his history, most certainly.
LikeLike
I did see him, but I don’t remember where. It was an outdoor forum and there were other musicians before him and I remember preferring them at the time. I was a child. It wasn’t until later, maybe middle school?when he was on an album with U2 that I really got interested. (Same with Johnny Cash, even tho he was played at home as well!) I can remember running to my mother to tell her B.B. King was on my new cd! I think she said something like, “That’s nice, Dear One.” lol — but at least she gave me the music connections to begin with 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that is nice that your mother passed it down to you, Joey. At our jazz fest last year, the teens got to see older generations of music, not just B.B. The fest director always programs a diverse mix of ages on the stage, as well, to help that educational process, too. Do your kids listen to your music with you at all?
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do. I am intent upon their proper music education at home. I’m so grateful for my own 🙂
LikeLike
My daughter, now 25, has excellent taste in music. Yes, thank you. 🙂 Hahaha. My father did me well with his tastes, most certainly, and I am forever grateful for my love of Sinatra, Herb Alpert, Sergio Mendez …
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great man and musician. He will be missed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed he is…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Benson. Thanks for singing your song here.
LikeLiked by 1 person