Recognizing American Music Legend and Mississippi Native B.B. King

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of one of Mississippi's favorite sons and one of the icons of American music, Riley B. (``B.B.'') King. Born on a plantation between Indianola and Itta Bena, Mississippi, on September 16, 1925, B.B. King was raised in the Mississippi Delta and went on to become the unquestioned ``King of the Blues.''

Like many great musicians, B.B. King began his music career in church--singing in the choir of his grandmother's church in Kilmichael, Mississippi. Eventually, he went on to earn nickels and dimes for playing the guitar in the surrounding area. Mr. King was then introduced to Beale Street in Memphis and the Sonny Boy Williamson's Radio Show where he received his big break and gained his nickname ``Beale Street Blues Boy'' which was ultimately shortened to ``B.B.''

In the 1950's, B.B. King embarked on what would be a legendary touring career. This included a record-setting 342 appearances in 1956 with his band throughout the country in many venues ranging from those on the so-called ``Chit'lin Circuit'' to symphony concert halls. B.B. King often spent three hundred days out of the year performing on the road--even well into his 80's.

In one of the most unruly experiences he had on the road, he was playing a concert hall where a fight broke out, a kerosene lamp was knocked over and a fire was started in the hall. B.B. realized that in the rush, he left his beloved guitar in the hall and ran back in to get it. He later discovered that the fight broke out over a woman named Lucille and he decided to name his guitar after her as a reminder to never do anything that crazy again. To this day, his trademark, black Gibson guitars are called ``Lucille.''

B.B. King had one of the most identifiable and unique guitar styles in music history. He integrated complex string blends and his left hand vibrato which created an almost vocal-sounding guitar sound. This sound can be heard on his many hits including ``Three O'Clock Blues,'' ``The Thrill Is Gone,'' and ``Stormy Monday''

B.B. King's awards and honors are almost countless. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to American music. Additionally, he has been bestowed honorary doctorates from Tougaloo College, Mississippi Valley State University, Rhodes College, Yale University and Brown University.

Although he had such immense success all over the world, B.B. King never lost touch with his Mississippi Delta roots and each year returned to his hometown of Indianola to give a concert at the B.B. King Homecoming Blues Festival. His iconic impact on music is a source of great pride for all Mississippians--especially those in the Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in celebrating the life and legacy of B.B. King. His work ethic and talent were immeasurable and his impact on American music is undeniable. He was a great bluesman, a great Mississippian and a great American. The ``King'' may have died today but his music will live on forever.

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