On This Day in 1925: B.B. King, the ‘King of the Blues,’ Was Born

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B.B. King performs during "The Domino Effect," a tribute concert for Fats Domino, at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans on May 30, 2009. King was born Sept. 16, 1925, and became one of the most influential blues musicians in American music history. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
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(AURN News) — On Sept. 16, 1925, legendary blues musician Riley “B.B.” King was born on a cotton plantation near Itta Bena, Mississippi.

Known as the “King of the Blues,” B.B. King became one of the most influential guitarists and performers in American music.

His expressive playing style, powerful voice and beloved guitar, Lucille, helped define modern blues and influenced generations of rock, soul and R&B artists.

King recorded classics including “The Thrill Is Gone” and performed around the world for decades, earning numerous Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

His career stretched more than half a century, making him one of the most recognizable figures in blues history.

B.B. King died May 14, 2015, in Las Vegas at age 89.

Today, we celebrate his extraordinary life, timeless music and remarkable legacy. Happy heavenly birthday, B.B. King.

Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Clay Cane. Follow @claycane & @aurnonline for more.

Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane
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