Friday, May 15, 2015

Good-Bye B.B. King

As I sit in paradise, also know as writers' retreat, some sadness filtered in. I heard that B.B. King, the original Beale Street Blues Boy, has passed away at the age of 89. He was one of the last original blues men of the era. And a serious class act. He was a gentleman, a generous artist and an amazing musician.

I've seen him perform four times and each show was outstanding. He was polite, funny, generous and so, so talented. He will be missed by many. Back in 2011 I wrote a post about him, and I'd like to share it here. 

B.B King Is A National Treasure

Chez Quinn started the year off right. Not only did The Man and I get to go on a date, but he took me to see B. B. King. It was an outstanding show.

We've seen B. B. King on two other occasions. The first time was a few days before 9/11 in Hershey, PA where he performed with Buddy Guy (who is AWESOME too) and John Hiatt. The second time was three and a half years ago when I was eight months pregnant. So technically, the youngest urchin has been to a B. B. King concert too. The sound table was obstructing our view of that one. But things turned out fantastic because we were moved to the third row where I could see every fret on Lucille.

The Man and I really wanted to see him again, since we knew he's getting up there in age. He announced at the concert that he is now 85 years old. And let me tell you, the man can still rock. The singing and guitar playing were brilliant. Plus he talks to the crowd quite a bit and is funny as hell.

His band has been with him for years. The "new guy" has only been with him for twenty years, so you know these are top notch musicians. They put on a great show too.

After his performance, Mr. King threw guitar picks to the crowd, posed for pictures from the stage and signed anything handed to him. For thirty minutes. The man is a class act. He's been an ambassador for the United states and has toured over ninety countries.

On the way home, talking about the show, I informed The Man that B. B. King was a national treasure. In Japan, people can become living national treasures when they are "keepers of intangible cultural properties." And I believe with all my heart that B. B. King is one of The United States' living national treasures.

So The Man and I started playing one of our favorite games. "Who/What Would Be On Your List?" And I figured I'd play this game with you. Who would be on your list of Living National Treasures of the United States of America?

I'd truly love to know!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

My favorite music is Big Band Jazz (40s) and Rock-n-Roll (50s). Nothing better than BB King, Chubby Checker, Elvis, Bill Haley & the Comets, Little Richard, etc. It's fabulous you got to see him live, and sad he's no longer with us. He'll leave an unfillable hole in the music industry.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Very sad. Awesome you saw him so many times. Performing at eight-five. Whoa...

M.J. Fifield said...

Sad news for sure.

I do believe on the original post, I nominated Bob Barker for National Treasure-dom. I stand by that still.

The Happy Whisk said...

Sad, sad.

Glad you got to see him so many times.

Pat Hatt said...

He sure had a great life though. Seeing him many times had to be great too. Canadian, so we have no national treasures lol

Sherry Ellis said...

Sad news about B. B. King! He was quite a talented guy.

Liz Blocker said...

I have too many favorites to list, but Billie Holiday would be on every list I make.

What a life BB led, huh? Amazing man, amazing talent.

Loni Townsend said...

At least he had a long life and will leave behind a great legacy. Not many people can say that. I'm happy you got to see him so many times.

I don't know that I have anyone who I'd personally count as a national treasure. I'll have to think on that.

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