May 19, 2015

B.B. King - The Thrill Will Never Be Gone

On May 14, 2015, we lost a legend. BB King moved on quietly at his Las Vegas home, where he was in hospice care after suffering from dehydration.

B.B. King was born on 16 September 1925 to sharecroppers and worked in the cotton fields as a child before picking up the guitar.

King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He was considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of the Blues", and one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with Albert King and Freddie King). He was also known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at more than 200 concerts per year on average into his 70s. In 1956, he reportedly appeared at 342 shows.

I never had the pleasure to see him live myself, but I have many friends who did, and it was clearly a very special evening to see Mr. King live.

B.B. was the real deal, and there certainly will never be another one like him. He will by sorely missed by millions and millions of guitar players.

What I liked about his playing is that it was so expressive and vocal-like. He treated the guitar with a lot of respect - no wanking and showing off. No, he made it sing, with influences not only from jazz, R&B and blues, but also from modern music. It was great to see and hear his many collaborations with other artists over the years.

I transcribed a cool little lick from the tune The Thrill Is Gone, which was one of his most famous recordings. I don't know about you, but when I listen to his recordings, I'm thinking to myself - "the thrill will never be gone".

If you want to learn more licks in the jump blues style that B.B. King often played, my latest course Jump Your Blues will keep you busy.

Thanks for the music, B.B. King - a real giant of the blues!

B.B. King - Thrill Is Gone Lick

★ Download the lesson files here.

The Thrill Is Gone Lick

The Thrill Is Gone - Original

This lick happens at 4:14 into the song:

By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com

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Posted by Robert Renman on May 19, 2015