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Remembering B.B. King With Bluesman Guy Davis

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BB King performs on stage during day two of the Bluesfest Music Festival at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm on April 22, 2011 in Byron Bay, Australia.  (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
BB King performs on stage during day two of the Bluesfest Music Festival at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm on April 22, 2011 in Byron Bay, Australia. (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Guy Davis is a blues musician in New York City. (guydavis.com)
Guy Davis is a blues musician in New York City. (guydavis.com)

B.B. King, whose scorching guitar licks and heartfelt vocals made him the idol of generations of musicians and fans, while earning him the nickname King of the Blues, died late last night. He was 89.

For most of a career spanning nearly 70 years, Riley B. King was not only the undisputed king of the blues but a mentor to scores of guitarists, who included Eric Clapton, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall and Keith Richards.

He recorded more than 50 albums and toured the world well into his 80s, often performing 250 or more concerts a year.

To commemorate the legend and his legacy, Here & Now's Robin Young speaks with blues musician Guy Davis.

Songs In This Segment

  • "Three O'Clock Blues" (1951), written by Lowell Fulson, performed by B.B. King
  • "When It All Comes Down" written by Will Jennings and Joe Sample, performed by B.B. King
  • "How Blue Can You Get?" from "Live In Cook County Jail" written by Leonard and Jane Feather, performed by B.B. King

Guest

  • Guy Davis, blues guitarist and banjo player.

This segment aired on May 15, 2015.

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