BB King with his Lucille

Riley B. King, known professionally as B. B. King, was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Called “The King of the Blues,” he introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending, shimmering vibrato, and staccato picking that influenced many later electric guitar blues players.Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, King was attracted to music and taught himself to play guitar, beginning his career in juke joints and on local radio. King later lived and performed in Memphis and Chicago. As his fame grew, he toured the world extensively.