The American guitarist, singer, and blues legend B.B. King died in his sleep yesterday (May 14), according to his website. King, who was 89, posted his last message to fans on his website about two weeks ago:
“I am in home hospice care at my residence in Las Vegas.
Thanks to all for your well wishes and prayers.”
King famously called his guitars Lucille, and used them to produce massive hits such as “The Thrill is Gone.” Many say he is responsible for bringing blues music mainstream in the 1950s and 1960s. He is in both the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and won 15 Grammys throughout his career. He continued to tour until the end of last year.
Since the Associated Press broke the news early this morning, musicians have been using social media to talk about what King meant to their music.
The guitarist and singer Eric Clapton, who collaborated with King and credits him as an inspiration, posted a video on his Facebook page, saying:
“There’s not a lot left to say because this music is almost a thing of the past now, and there are not many left that play it in the pure way that B.B did. He was a beacon for all of us that loved this kind of music and I thank him from the bottom of my heart. If you’re not familiar with his work then I would encourage you to go out and find an album called BB King Live at the Regal, which is where it all started for me as a young player.”
Others shared their thoughts on Twitter and Instagram.
Here’s a glimpse of the master at the height of his powers, singing The Thrill is Gone: