B.B. King was one of the most legendary blues songwriters and performers of all time, and his huge discography of recorded performances speaks for itself. That being said, all musicians have moments where they are at their very best. Let’s take a blues break and revisit four of B.B. King’s best recorded performances!
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Rock Me Baby”
This hit is one of the most-recorded songs in the blues genre ever, and B.B. King’s rendition is likely the best of them all. “Rock Me Baby” was the perfect song for King, and his incredible vocals are a highlight of the song. Plus, those gritty, rich guitar tones are next-level. “Rock Me Baby” by B.B. King should be seen as a masterclass in harmonics.
2. “Every Day I Have The Blues”
The best B.B. King performances are usually renditions of the classics, and this entry is no different. King’s rendition of “Every Day I Have The Blues” was released when King was a kid in the 1930s, and his version would go on to become one of the most well-known covers of the song by Pinetop and Milton Sparks. King’s rendition is an easygoing and glittering version that still feels modern today.
3. “The Thrill Is Gone”
“The Thrill Is Gone” was the song that nabbed a Grammy for King back in the day, though the original tune was put together by Rick Darnell and Roy Hawkins in the early 1950s. It’s a slow, steady song that requires an emotional vocal track to really work. Naturally, King delivered in the best way possible. King’s gospel roots can be heard loud and clear in this song
4. “Lucille”
This is one of the longest B.B. King performances out there, and also one of his finest. “Lucille” is over 10 minutes long and comes from the hit 1968 album of the same name. The whole of the album is an excellent production, but there’s really something to be said about the title track. The bassline, the subject matter (it’s a stellar ode to King’s iconic guitar), those vocals, those solos… Nothing beats “Lucille”.
Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images
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