Farewell, B. B. King

[Folkie]

I noted with sadness the passing of B. B. King on Thursday, from complications of diabetes. Not only did B. B. do more to popularize the blues than just about any other musician (for much of his career averaging over 300 shows a year), but, in my opinion, he was one of the most influential guitarists of the last 60 years.

Before B. B., guitarists like Lonnie Johnson and T-Bone Walker bent notes, but usually in microtones and half-steps. It was B. B. who began to squeeze the strings more aggressively (bending anywhere from a microtone to almost two full steps) and to use slinkier strings to facilitate bending.

He also developed an extremely wide vibrato, in an attempt to mimic the sound of slide guitar. In both these respects, Riley B. King influenced not just generations of blues players, but legions of rock players as well.

B. B. had a huge heart and was known for being humble and self-effacing in interviews, and for expressing his admiration for the younger players he inspired. He will be deeply missed, but he lives on in all the players he influenced, including high profile younger players today, like Joe Bonamassa.