Legendary blues singer B.B. King passed away at age 89. The singer died in his sleep in Las Vegas, according to his daughter. King is credited with bringing blues music to the mainstream. He began singing in his church choir before moving to Memphis, Tennessee from Mississippi to be closer to the music scene. He released his first hit in 1951 with “Three O’Clock Blues.”
Riley B King was nominated for a total of 30 Grammy awards throughout his career. He was awarded 15 of them including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also honored with the Presidential Media of Freedom, and be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame throughout his career. King continued to tour, despite being diabetic, until April of this year when he was forced to rest due to dehydration.
B.B. King’s music, contributions to blues, and his influence will continue to live on forever.
© 2015, Julie Aly. All rights reserved.
