I have to admit, I struggled with the playlist this week. When I looked at the albums released in August of 1972, I thought there might have been some great new summertime records just before I became a senior in high school. Instead, I had to carve out a playlist of mostly trusted Buddy Guy & Junior Wells Blues, a couple of live albums from The Band and The Kinks, a bit of Country Michael Nesmith, and several AM soul hits that did make me think of high school. I then added several Top 10 radio hits from August, 1972 just to round it out a bit. Don't worry I didn't add #3 Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) onto the list.
I think this week's a pick and choose playlist even for me.
This past Thursday, Riley B. King passed away at 89 in his home in Las Vegas. We all know him as B.B. King, the most influential Blues guitarist of all time. As Rock 'n' Roll was birthed from the Blues, B.B. is simply King of the Blues and the master of the solo to all the younger electric guitarists coming up in the 60's. B.B. King thrilled these young players as they emulated his style and in turn, these great players thrilled us beyond imagination.
“This morning, I come to you all with a heavy heart. BB King was the greatest guy I ever met. The tone he got out of that guitar, the way he shook his left wrist, the way he squeezed the strings… man, he came out with that and it was all new to the whole guitar playin’ world. He could play so smooth, he didn’t have to put on a show. The way BB did it is the way we all do it now. He was my best friend and father to us all.
I’ll miss you, B. I love you and I promise I will keep these damn Blues alive. Rest well.
All my love,
Buddy”
Here is Eric Clapton's video message on the passing of his mentor and friend.
B.B. King was a wonderful person and will be remembered not only for his great guitar playing and singing of the Blues, but also as a kind soul who opened up his heart to people and taught us how to share our talent with each other.
I must have played more than 50 videos on YouTube this past week putting together this playlist. I narrowed it down to 10 for your pleasure. Ladies and Gentlemen, the King of the Blues.
