B.B. King

Blues guitar master

B.B.

King (1925–2015) was an American blues guitarist and singer whose vibrato-laden style and expressive guitar work made him one of the most influential blues musicians of the twentieth century.

He named his guitar Lucille and treated it as a partner in performance.

His signature song "The Thrill Is Gone" epitomizes his sound—sophisticated, emotionally direct, and built on bent notes that seem to cry.

He plays guitar like B.B. King.

blues

Lucille

Traditional woman's name

DeltaAlluvial formation at mouth
MississippiSouthern state or major river
ChicagoMajor Illinois metropolis

shuffle · Memphis · soul · gospel · swing · crooning · heartache · melancholy · boogie-woogie · call-and-response

guitar

Lucille

Traditional woman's name

GibsonInstrument brand or cocktail
vibratoOscillating pitch effect
bendingCurving from straight

fingerstyle · fretboard · amplifier · tone · sustain · phrasing · electric · pickups · riff · solo

legacy

pioneer

Early explorer or settler

influentialHaving considerable effect
trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer

maestro · icon · innovator · master · mentor · ambassador · crossover · Grammy · touring · longevity

performance

stage

Raised performance platform

touringTraveling for pleasure
showmanDramatic, attention-grabbing performer
entertainerOne who amuses others

bandleader · audience · charisma · live · concert · roadhouse · festival · encore · microphone · spotlight

B.B. King

Lucille

Lucille

pioneer

stage

B.B. King

Opposites

Categories

Family