-
B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone [Crossroads 2010] (Official Live Video)
Blues master B.B. King performs "The Thrill Is Gone" in Chicago at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019 collection captures nearly four hours of highlights recorded live last year at the acclaimed charity music festival founded by the legendary guitarist. Get your copy here: https://rhino.lnk.to/Crossroads2019
Eric Clapton, one of the world’s pre-eminent blues/rock guitarists, once again summoned an all-star team of six-string heroes for his fifth Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2019. Held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the two-day concert event raised funds for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, the chemical dependency treatment and education facility that Clapton founded in 1998.
Subscribe to the Rhino Channel! https://Rhin...
published: 13 Jan 2011
-
B. B. King - The Thrill Is Gone (Live at Montreux 1993) | Stages
Watch GIGS on Samsung TV Plus: https://www.samsungtvplus.com?action=play&target_tab=discover&target_id=GBBD3000004VR&target_type=1 Available to order now at https://mercury-studios.lnk.to/BBKingLiveAtMontreux93
B.B. King is the greatest living exponent of the blues and considered by many to be the most influential guitarist of the latter part of the 20th century. His career dates back to the late forties and despite now being in his eighties he remains a vibrant and charismatic live performer. B.B. King has been a frequent visitor to the Montreux festival, appearing nearly 20 times, so choosing one performance was no easy task. This 1993 concert will surely rank as one of his finest at any venue. With a superb backing band and a great set list its a must for any blues fan.
The thrill is ...
published: 21 Jul 2009
-
B.B. King - Sweet Little Angel (Live)
Music video by B.B. King performing Sweet Little Angel (Live).
published: 10 Oct 2014
-
BB King Was Afraid To Perform At Sing Sing Prison But Called It His Best Performance Ever
This clip is a portion of my feature-length documentary, Sing Sing Thanksgiving, recorded in 1972 at the prison in Ossining NY outside of New York City. We got permission to present the concert from the Warden and took full of it to create and then record this incredible event plus tell the lives of some of the inmates who helped make it happen.
Regarding the Sing Sing prison performance, B.B. King said in an interview with NPR:
"I've played a lot of prisons since but Sing Sing is the only one that I can remember the name of and the reason is because I was scared. I thought it was the end of my life."
The experience was an emotionally charged one for King who was initially apprehensive about performing at the prison. However, the performance turned out to be a success, with the inmates ...
published: 06 Aug 2013
-
BB King & John Mayer Live | Improv Jam | Part 1
BB King and John Mayer's Improvised jam at Guitar Center's "King of the Blues 2006".
Director | Producer | Geoffrey S. McNeil
Production Company | GSM Entertainment
http://www.gsmentertainment.com
published: 18 Aug 2009
-
B.B. King - Blues Boys Tune (From B.B. King - Live at Montreux 1993)
B.B. King is the greatest living exponent of the blues and considered by many to be the most influential guitarist of the latter part of the 20th century. His career dates back to the late forties and despite now being in his eighties he remains a vibrant and charismatic live performer. B.B. King has been a frequent visitor to the Montreux festival, appearing nearly 20 times, so choosing one performance was no easy task. This 1993 concert will surely rank as one of his finest at any venue. With a superb backing band and a great set list its a must for any blues fan.
published: 11 Jun 2012
-
Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, BB King, Jimmie Vaughan (Rock me baby)
published: 01 Mar 2011
-
BB King - Why I Sing The Blues - Live In Africa 1974
http://gravityworld.tv/Video_Content/bbking.html
B.B. King Live In Africa '74 is a rare - extremely rare - intimate view of
B.B. King in concert. At age 49, having "crossed over" to wide popularity with his show
at the Fillmore West in 1968 and secured his fame with the 1970 hit "The Thrill Is Gone,"
B.B. stands onstage before Muhammad Ali and a crowd of 80,000 on the continent his
ancestors left in chains and gives one of the most thrilling performances of his life. "The
King of the Blues" (B.B.), "Soul Brother #1" (James Brown) and other African-American
artists on the bill reveled in the return to their cultural motherland for a gala affair that was
attended by fans and journalists from all over the world.
The backstory around this perfonnance is rich. Behind B.B. is a larg...
published: 29 Jul 2010
11:06
B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone [Crossroads 2010] (Official Live Video)
Blues master B.B. King performs "The Thrill Is Gone" in Chicago at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019 collectio...
Blues master B.B. King performs "The Thrill Is Gone" in Chicago at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019 collection captures nearly four hours of highlights recorded live last year at the acclaimed charity music festival founded by the legendary guitarist. Get your copy here: https://rhino.lnk.to/Crossroads2019
Eric Clapton, one of the world’s pre-eminent blues/rock guitarists, once again summoned an all-star team of six-string heroes for his fifth Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2019. Held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the two-day concert event raised funds for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, the chemical dependency treatment and education facility that Clapton founded in 1998.
Subscribe to the Rhino Channel! https://Rhino.lnk.to/YouTubeSubID
Check Out Our Favorite Playlists:
Classic Rock https://Rhino.lnk.to/YTClassicRockID
80s Hits https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT80sHitsID
80s Hard Rock https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT80sHardRockID
80s Alternative https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT80sAlternativeID
90s Hits https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT90sHitsID
Stay connected with RHINO on...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RHINO/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rhino_records
Twitter https://twitter.com/Rhino_Records
https://www.rhino.com/
Lyrics:
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away
You done me wrong, baby
You'll be sorry someday
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away from me
The thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although I'll still live on
But so lonely I'll be
I'm free, free now, baby
I'm free from your spell
I'm free, free, free now
I'm free from your spell
And now that it's all over
All I can do is wish you well
*****************************************
RHINO is the official YouTube channel of the greatest music catalog in the world. Founded in 1978, Rhino is the world's leading pop culture label specializing in classic rock, soul, and 80's and 90's alternative. The vast Rhino catalog of more than 5,000 albums, videos, and hit songs features material by Warner Music Group artists such as Van Halen, Duran Duran, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, The Doors, Chicago, Black Sabbath, John Coltrane, Yes, Alice Cooper, Linda Ronstadt, The Ramones, The Monkees, Carly Simon, and Curtis Mayfield, among many others. Check back for classic music videos, live performances, hand-curated playlists, the Rhino Podcast, and more!
https://wn.com/B.B._King_The_Thrill_Is_Gone_Crossroads_2010_(Official_Live_Video)
Blues master B.B. King performs "The Thrill Is Gone" in Chicago at the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019 collection captures nearly four hours of highlights recorded live last year at the acclaimed charity music festival founded by the legendary guitarist. Get your copy here: https://rhino.lnk.to/Crossroads2019
Eric Clapton, one of the world’s pre-eminent blues/rock guitarists, once again summoned an all-star team of six-string heroes for his fifth Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2019. Held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the two-day concert event raised funds for the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, the chemical dependency treatment and education facility that Clapton founded in 1998.
Subscribe to the Rhino Channel! https://Rhino.lnk.to/YouTubeSubID
Check Out Our Favorite Playlists:
Classic Rock https://Rhino.lnk.to/YTClassicRockID
80s Hits https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT80sHitsID
80s Hard Rock https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT80sHardRockID
80s Alternative https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT80sAlternativeID
90s Hits https://Rhino.lnk.to/YT90sHitsID
Stay connected with RHINO on...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RHINO/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rhino_records
Twitter https://twitter.com/Rhino_Records
https://www.rhino.com/
Lyrics:
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away
You done me wrong, baby
You'll be sorry someday
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away from me
The thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although I'll still live on
But so lonely I'll be
I'm free, free now, baby
I'm free from your spell
I'm free, free, free now
I'm free from your spell
And now that it's all over
All I can do is wish you well
*****************************************
RHINO is the official YouTube channel of the greatest music catalog in the world. Founded in 1978, Rhino is the world's leading pop culture label specializing in classic rock, soul, and 80's and 90's alternative. The vast Rhino catalog of more than 5,000 albums, videos, and hit songs features material by Warner Music Group artists such as Van Halen, Duran Duran, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, The Doors, Chicago, Black Sabbath, John Coltrane, Yes, Alice Cooper, Linda Ronstadt, The Ramones, The Monkees, Carly Simon, and Curtis Mayfield, among many others. Check back for classic music videos, live performances, hand-curated playlists, the Rhino Podcast, and more!
- published: 13 Jan 2011
- views: 132240731
6:42
B. B. King - The Thrill Is Gone (Live at Montreux 1993) | Stages
Watch GIGS on Samsung TV Plus: https://www.samsungtvplus.com?action=play&target_tab=discover&target_id=GBBD3000004VR&target_type=1 Available to order now at htt...
Watch GIGS on Samsung TV Plus: https://www.samsungtvplus.com?action=play&target_tab=discover&target_id=GBBD3000004VR&target_type=1 Available to order now at https://mercury-studios.lnk.to/BBKingLiveAtMontreux93
B.B. King is the greatest living exponent of the blues and considered by many to be the most influential guitarist of the latter part of the 20th century. His career dates back to the late forties and despite now being in his eighties he remains a vibrant and charismatic live performer. B.B. King has been a frequent visitor to the Montreux festival, appearing nearly 20 times, so choosing one performance was no easy task. This 1993 concert will surely rank as one of his finest at any venue. With a superb backing band and a great set list its a must for any blues fan.
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong baby
And you'll be sorry someday
The thrill is gone
It's gone away from me
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I'll still live on
But so lonely I'll be
The thrill is gone
It's gone away for good
The thrill is gone baby
It's gone away for good
Someday I know I'll be open armed baby
Just like I know a good man should
You know I'm free, free now baby
I'm free from your spell
Oh I'm free, free, free now
I'm free from your spell
And now that it's all over
All I can do is wish you well
===================================
Subscribe: https://mercury-studios.lnk.to/YouTubeSubscribe
Official site: https://www.mercurystudios.co
===================================
#BBKing #TheThrillIsGone #LiveAtMontreux
https://wn.com/B._B._King_The_Thrill_Is_Gone_(Live_At_Montreux_1993)_|_Stages
Watch GIGS on Samsung TV Plus: https://www.samsungtvplus.com?action=play&target_tab=discover&target_id=GBBD3000004VR&target_type=1 Available to order now at https://mercury-studios.lnk.to/BBKingLiveAtMontreux93
B.B. King is the greatest living exponent of the blues and considered by many to be the most influential guitarist of the latter part of the 20th century. His career dates back to the late forties and despite now being in his eighties he remains a vibrant and charismatic live performer. B.B. King has been a frequent visitor to the Montreux festival, appearing nearly 20 times, so choosing one performance was no easy task. This 1993 concert will surely rank as one of his finest at any venue. With a superb backing band and a great set list its a must for any blues fan.
The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong baby
And you'll be sorry someday
The thrill is gone
It's gone away from me
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I'll still live on
But so lonely I'll be
The thrill is gone
It's gone away for good
The thrill is gone baby
It's gone away for good
Someday I know I'll be open armed baby
Just like I know a good man should
You know I'm free, free now baby
I'm free from your spell
Oh I'm free, free, free now
I'm free from your spell
And now that it's all over
All I can do is wish you well
===================================
Subscribe: https://mercury-studios.lnk.to/YouTubeSubscribe
Official site: https://www.mercurystudios.co
===================================
#BBKing #TheThrillIsGone #LiveAtMontreux
- published: 21 Jul 2009
- views: 62939222
5:53
B.B. King - Sweet Little Angel (Live)
Music video by B.B. King performing Sweet Little Angel (Live).
Music video by B.B. King performing Sweet Little Angel (Live).
https://wn.com/B.B._King_Sweet_Little_Angel_(Live)
Music video by B.B. King performing Sweet Little Angel (Live).
- published: 10 Oct 2014
- views: 3243168
5:37
BB King Was Afraid To Perform At Sing Sing Prison But Called It His Best Performance Ever
This clip is a portion of my feature-length documentary, Sing Sing Thanksgiving, recorded in 1972 at the prison in Ossining NY outside of New York City. We got ...
This clip is a portion of my feature-length documentary, Sing Sing Thanksgiving, recorded in 1972 at the prison in Ossining NY outside of New York City. We got permission to present the concert from the Warden and took full of it to create and then record this incredible event plus tell the lives of some of the inmates who helped make it happen.
Regarding the Sing Sing prison performance, B.B. King said in an interview with NPR:
"I've played a lot of prisons since but Sing Sing is the only one that I can remember the name of and the reason is because I was scared. I thought it was the end of my life."
The experience was an emotionally charged one for King who was initially apprehensive about performing at the prison. However, the performance turned out to be a success, with the inmates showing great appreciation for the music. King's fears were alleviated, and the event left a lasting impression on him. He considered it is absolutely best performance up until that time.
B.B. King, born Riley B. King, was a highly influential blues singer and guitarist who became popular for several reasons:
B.B. King's unique guitar playing technique that included finger vibratos and string bending helped create a signature sound. His approach to the guitar was both melodic and expressive which made him stand out from other blues musicians. King's iconic Gibson guitar, which he named "Lucille," became synonymous with his musical identity.
B.B. King had an incredible ability to convey emotions through his music. His soulful, impassioned singing, coupled with his expressive guitar playing, allowed him to forge a deep connection with his audience.
As perfectly demonstrated in this clip, BB King was a captivating performer who could command the attention of his audience through his natural charisma and engaging stage presence. His storytelling and anecdotes between songs made his concerts an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Over his long career, B.B. King released more than 50 albums and maintained a rigorous touring schedule, performing over 200 shows per year at his peak. This relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft helped him amass a surprisingly large loyal following.
While B.B. King was a blues musician at heart, his music transcended genres and appealed to fans of rock, jazz, and R&B. Collaborations with other prominent artists like Eric Clapton, U2, and Bonnie Raitt further expanded his audience.
Timelessness: King's music has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with fans both old and new. His impact on the blues genre and his influence on generations of musicians have cemented his status as a legendary artist.
Awards and accolades: B.B. King received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and inductions into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. These recognitions helped raise his profile and solidify his popularity.
I would like to thank the sponsors who advertise on my video of BB. The BB King Museum. BB King blues club ticket. BB King Lucille. Best blues. Jazz and blues. Live blues music. Blues jam near me. Beginner blues guitar songs. vancleave. rolling Fork. Delta blues. BB King Mississippi Delta.
To support my efforts to create more clips please donate to me at w advantage www.patreon.com/allinaday. To reach me re my film, send me an email to
[email protected]
David Hoffman - filmmaker
#bbking #bb #blue #singsingprison
https://wn.com/Bb_King_Was_Afraid_To_Perform_At_Sing_Sing_Prison_But_Called_It_His_Best_Performance_Ever
This clip is a portion of my feature-length documentary, Sing Sing Thanksgiving, recorded in 1972 at the prison in Ossining NY outside of New York City. We got permission to present the concert from the Warden and took full of it to create and then record this incredible event plus tell the lives of some of the inmates who helped make it happen.
Regarding the Sing Sing prison performance, B.B. King said in an interview with NPR:
"I've played a lot of prisons since but Sing Sing is the only one that I can remember the name of and the reason is because I was scared. I thought it was the end of my life."
The experience was an emotionally charged one for King who was initially apprehensive about performing at the prison. However, the performance turned out to be a success, with the inmates showing great appreciation for the music. King's fears were alleviated, and the event left a lasting impression on him. He considered it is absolutely best performance up until that time.
B.B. King, born Riley B. King, was a highly influential blues singer and guitarist who became popular for several reasons:
B.B. King's unique guitar playing technique that included finger vibratos and string bending helped create a signature sound. His approach to the guitar was both melodic and expressive which made him stand out from other blues musicians. King's iconic Gibson guitar, which he named "Lucille," became synonymous with his musical identity.
B.B. King had an incredible ability to convey emotions through his music. His soulful, impassioned singing, coupled with his expressive guitar playing, allowed him to forge a deep connection with his audience.
As perfectly demonstrated in this clip, BB King was a captivating performer who could command the attention of his audience through his natural charisma and engaging stage presence. His storytelling and anecdotes between songs made his concerts an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Over his long career, B.B. King released more than 50 albums and maintained a rigorous touring schedule, performing over 200 shows per year at his peak. This relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft helped him amass a surprisingly large loyal following.
While B.B. King was a blues musician at heart, his music transcended genres and appealed to fans of rock, jazz, and R&B. Collaborations with other prominent artists like Eric Clapton, U2, and Bonnie Raitt further expanded his audience.
Timelessness: King's music has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with fans both old and new. His impact on the blues genre and his influence on generations of musicians have cemented his status as a legendary artist.
Awards and accolades: B.B. King received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including 15 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and inductions into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. These recognitions helped raise his profile and solidify his popularity.
I would like to thank the sponsors who advertise on my video of BB. The BB King Museum. BB King blues club ticket. BB King Lucille. Best blues. Jazz and blues. Live blues music. Blues jam near me. Beginner blues guitar songs. vancleave. rolling Fork. Delta blues. BB King Mississippi Delta.
To support my efforts to create more clips please donate to me at w advantage www.patreon.com/allinaday. To reach me re my film, send me an email to
[email protected]
David Hoffman - filmmaker
#bbking #bb #blue #singsingprison
- published: 06 Aug 2013
- views: 23399446
9:00
BB King & John Mayer Live | Improv Jam | Part 1
BB King and John Mayer's Improvised jam at Guitar Center's "King of the Blues 2006".
Director | Producer | Geoffrey S. McNeil
Production Company | GSM Entertai...
BB King and John Mayer's Improvised jam at Guitar Center's "King of the Blues 2006".
Director | Producer | Geoffrey S. McNeil
Production Company | GSM Entertainment
http://www.gsmentertainment.com
https://wn.com/Bb_King_John_Mayer_Live_|_Improv_Jam_|_Part_1
BB King and John Mayer's Improvised jam at Guitar Center's "King of the Blues 2006".
Director | Producer | Geoffrey S. McNeil
Production Company | GSM Entertainment
http://www.gsmentertainment.com
- published: 18 Aug 2009
- views: 31090204
7:22
B.B. King - Blues Boys Tune (From B.B. King - Live at Montreux 1993)
B.B. King is the greatest living exponent of the blues and considered by many to be the most influential guitarist of the latter part of the 20th century. His c...
B.B. King is the greatest living exponent of the blues and considered by many to be the most influential guitarist of the latter part of the 20th century. His career dates back to the late forties and despite now being in his eighties he remains a vibrant and charismatic live performer. B.B. King has been a frequent visitor to the Montreux festival, appearing nearly 20 times, so choosing one performance was no easy task. This 1993 concert will surely rank as one of his finest at any venue. With a superb backing band and a great set list its a must for any blues fan.
https://wn.com/B.B._King_Blues_Boys_Tune_(From_B.B._King_Live_At_Montreux_1993)
B.B. King is the greatest living exponent of the blues and considered by many to be the most influential guitarist of the latter part of the 20th century. His career dates back to the late forties and despite now being in his eighties he remains a vibrant and charismatic live performer. B.B. King has been a frequent visitor to the Montreux festival, appearing nearly 20 times, so choosing one performance was no easy task. This 1993 concert will surely rank as one of his finest at any venue. With a superb backing band and a great set list its a must for any blues fan.
- published: 11 Jun 2012
- views: 1838055
6:21
BB King - Why I Sing The Blues - Live In Africa 1974
http://gravityworld.tv/Video_Content/bbking.html
B.B. King Live In Africa '74 is a rare - extremely rare - intimate view of
B.B. King in concert. At age 49,...
http://gravityworld.tv/Video_Content/bbking.html
B.B. King Live In Africa '74 is a rare - extremely rare - intimate view of
B.B. King in concert. At age 49, having "crossed over" to wide popularity with his show
at the Fillmore West in 1968 and secured his fame with the 1970 hit "The Thrill Is Gone,"
B.B. stands onstage before Muhammad Ali and a crowd of 80,000 on the continent his
ancestors left in chains and gives one of the most thrilling performances of his life. "The
King of the Blues" (B.B.), "Soul Brother #1" (James Brown) and other African-American
artists on the bill reveled in the return to their cultural motherland for a gala affair that was
attended by fans and journalists from all over the world.
The backstory around this perfonnance is rich. Behind B.B. is a large orchestra,
made up of core members ofB.B.'s touring band - pianist Ron Levy, drummer Sonny
Freeman and saxophonist Bobby Forte - plus studio musicians recruited (mostly) from
New York, including renowned session guitarist Larry Carlton. Directed by Hampton
Reese, B.B.'s longtime friend and musical tutor (you'll see him in his plaid sport coat
conducting the band), this collection of musicians achieved their amazing performance
after a single rehearsal in Kinshasa. Hampton wrote the charts for all the songs in the set,
and every musician was playing from those charts.
Of the musicians who played that concert from B.B.'s 1974 touring band, only
Ron Levy is still living. Here are some of his recollections of the unforgettable trip to
Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and their historic performance there:
To perform in Africa - the land of his ancestors, at this stadium event before
80,000 - plus crazed, hot, sweaty, dancing and bouncing heads and soulfully
pained hearts -- must have had a very special personal significance for B.B.,
as it did for us all. We all realized this was not just another gig. It was history,
good history. We were all very proud to be a part of it. As far as the set went,
we performed 8.B.'s most famous hits. I have to say, this was probably the
first lime this crowd ever heard - or heard of - B.B. King. but as usual he
left them wanting more, as well as an indelible memory of his sincere personal
passion and deep-felt blues.
He definitely connected with them like the beloved king he is. If you're a
B.B. King fan, you are in for a rare treat with B.B, King Live in Africa '74. If this is
your introduction to the King of the Blues, you'll understand why he is so loved the
world over.
-Charles Sawyer
Charles Sawyer is the author of the first biography of B.B. King.
The Arrival Of B.B. King (Doubleday 1980, Da Capo 1982),
He teaches ""History Of Blues In America" at Harvard Extension School,
and leads his own blues band, 2120 South Michigan Avenue.
https://wn.com/Bb_King_Why_I_Sing_The_Blues_Live_In_Africa_1974
http://gravityworld.tv/Video_Content/bbking.html
B.B. King Live In Africa '74 is a rare - extremely rare - intimate view of
B.B. King in concert. At age 49, having "crossed over" to wide popularity with his show
at the Fillmore West in 1968 and secured his fame with the 1970 hit "The Thrill Is Gone,"
B.B. stands onstage before Muhammad Ali and a crowd of 80,000 on the continent his
ancestors left in chains and gives one of the most thrilling performances of his life. "The
King of the Blues" (B.B.), "Soul Brother #1" (James Brown) and other African-American
artists on the bill reveled in the return to their cultural motherland for a gala affair that was
attended by fans and journalists from all over the world.
The backstory around this perfonnance is rich. Behind B.B. is a large orchestra,
made up of core members ofB.B.'s touring band - pianist Ron Levy, drummer Sonny
Freeman and saxophonist Bobby Forte - plus studio musicians recruited (mostly) from
New York, including renowned session guitarist Larry Carlton. Directed by Hampton
Reese, B.B.'s longtime friend and musical tutor (you'll see him in his plaid sport coat
conducting the band), this collection of musicians achieved their amazing performance
after a single rehearsal in Kinshasa. Hampton wrote the charts for all the songs in the set,
and every musician was playing from those charts.
Of the musicians who played that concert from B.B.'s 1974 touring band, only
Ron Levy is still living. Here are some of his recollections of the unforgettable trip to
Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and their historic performance there:
To perform in Africa - the land of his ancestors, at this stadium event before
80,000 - plus crazed, hot, sweaty, dancing and bouncing heads and soulfully
pained hearts -- must have had a very special personal significance for B.B.,
as it did for us all. We all realized this was not just another gig. It was history,
good history. We were all very proud to be a part of it. As far as the set went,
we performed 8.B.'s most famous hits. I have to say, this was probably the
first lime this crowd ever heard - or heard of - B.B. King. but as usual he
left them wanting more, as well as an indelible memory of his sincere personal
passion and deep-felt blues.
He definitely connected with them like the beloved king he is. If you're a
B.B. King fan, you are in for a rare treat with B.B, King Live in Africa '74. If this is
your introduction to the King of the Blues, you'll understand why he is so loved the
world over.
-Charles Sawyer
Charles Sawyer is the author of the first biography of B.B. King.
The Arrival Of B.B. King (Doubleday 1980, Da Capo 1982),
He teaches ""History Of Blues In America" at Harvard Extension School,
and leads his own blues band, 2120 South Michigan Avenue.
- published: 29 Jul 2010
- views: 4925531