The Best of BB King’s YouTube Blues Music
Check out our favorite BB King YouTube videos featuring some of the best blues music ever recorded.
BB King’s YouTube Channel
Although born in Mississippi, Riley B. King – better known as B.B. King – made his name in Memphis, Tennessee. It was there, in the city’s Beale Street district, that the bluesman honed his craft, playing hours-long sets in clubs like the famous Memphis juke joint, the New Daisy Theatre.
Subscribe to BB King’s YouTube channel
BB King is one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, and his YouTube channel is a must-subscribe for fans of the genre. The channel features a wide variety of live performances, music videos, and interviews with the legendary artist. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just getting into the blues, BB King’s YouTube channel is a great resource for great music.
Watch BB King’s best YouTube videos
Mr. King’s style was rhythm and blues mixed with jazz. His sound was defined by a beautiful vibrato, or wavering of the note, that influenced generations of guitarists. He played single-string leads with economy and simplicity, using space and dynamics to add expressiveness to his solos. His best-known recordings include “3 O’Clock Blues,” “You Know I Love You” and “The Thrill Is Gone.”
In 1980, Mr. King was given a Grammy for lifetime achievement, and he continued to record and tour until coming down with dehydration during a show in Chicago in October 2014. His hospitalization led to the cancellation of several scheduled performances.
In May 2015, he released “Lucille Talks Back,” an album on which he used his voice to improvise on piano tracks recorded by the jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis. The next month he performed at the Glastonbury Festival in England — his first appearance there — drawing one of the biggest audiences of the weekend.
BB King’s Best Songs
BB King is a legendary blues musician whose songs have spanned generations. His music is still enjoyed by many people today. If you’re a fan of BB King’s music, you’ll definitely want to check out his best songs on YouTube. Here are a few of his best songs that you can find on YouTube.
“The Thrill is Gone”
“The Thrill is Gone” is a song recorded by American blues singer B.B. King in 1969. It was released as a single in 1970 and became one of the most famous songs in his repertoire. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1970 and was inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 2004.
“Sweet Little Angel”
“Sweet Little Angel” is a song written by Lucille Bogan and recorded by her in 1935. blues singer BB King recorded the song in 1956. It was released as a single by RPM Records and reached number six on the Billboard magazine R&B chart in early 1957. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it number 433 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
“How Blue Can You Get?”
“How Blue Can You Get?” is a blues song written by Memphis Slim and recorded in 1964 by blues artist B.B. King. The song became one of King’s most popular singles, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1965 and number one on the Cash Box chart. In 2004, the magazine Rolling Stone ranked it number 324 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
BB King’s Best Live Performances
Here are some of the best live performances by the great BB King. These videos show his mastery of the blues and his ability to connect with an audience. His charisma and stage presence are undeniable, and his guitar playing is second to none.
“When Love Comes to Town” with U2
In this performance with rock legends U2, BB King demonstrates his unparalleled mastery of the blues. The two groups mesh together perfectly, with King’s smooth vocals and guitar work complimenting U2’s signature sound. This is one of the most memorable live performances in music history, and a must-watch for any fan of either artist.
“Riding With the King” with John Mayer
This classic BB King joint was performed with John Mayer at BB King’s 80th birthday celebration. It was a momentous tribute to one of the most influential bluesmen of our time, and the performance is nothing short of electric.
“The Weight” with The Band
On September 19, 1970, The Band, featuring Rick Danko on bass, Robbie Robertson on guitar, Garth Hudson on keyboards, Levon Helm on drums, and Richard Manuel on vocals and piano, performed “The Weight” with BB King at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. The song originally appeared on The Band’s 1968 debut album Music from Big Pink.
King and The Band had a natural affinity for each other’s music. Two of the group’s members, Helm and Manuel, were originally from Arkansas, where they had been exposed to the blues as children. And like King, The Band was a highly skilled group of musicians who could seamlessly switch between different styles of music.
TheFillmore West performance is widely considered to be one of King’s best live performances. His guitar playing is tight and focused, and he delivers the vocals with emotional power and precision. The performance also features an extended solo by Robertson that is nothing short of stunning.
