I rgemember I bought my first B.B. King LP (yes it was vinyl) in around 1974 or so. It was called “Lucille Talks Back” and was probably some kind of hybrid UK release, as I’ve never seen it on any official discography. The LP singlehandedly generated my life long love of the blues.
It was his ability to marry blues tradition with more modern themes that kept the blues alive for those of us who wanted more than yet another retread of a Robert Johnson song. His use of strings, recording pop songs within a blues setting, his many collaborations and his willingness to experiment all helped to keep the blues relevant. (I’m not talking about U2, although I realise that ‘When Love Comes To Town’ brought him a whole new audience). The blues / soul collaborations with friend and fellow pioneer Bobby Bland, the two albums with the Crusaders (derided in some circles), the blues interpretations of pop standards (Leon Russell), the Dr. John album, “Riding With The King” (Eric Clapton) and the Duets albums he produced in the 90s (e.g. “Deuces Wild“) all broadened the scope of, and audience for, the blues. But he never left the traditional blues form behind, as his later back to basics albums such as “One Kind Favor” amply demonstrated. Most of all though, it was his singular and very expressive guitar playing and soulful vocals that set him apart. And I took take great delight, when I first played the LP, in telling my dad (a Jim Reeves and Bachelors kind of guy) that the man making this superb, exciting and quite loud music was about the same age as him! But no, I never did convert him!
I wonder how many people who listen to the likes of Joe Bonamassa are even aware of the great man. Managed to see him at the Albert Hall about five or six years ago, so glad I did. Sat down for most of the show, but he still sang and played like he was just starting out. A privilege to see him.