[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 75 (Friday, May 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING AMERICAN MUSIC LEGEND AND MISSISSIPPI NATIVE B.B. KING

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2015

  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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