Dies, aged 89, BB King, considered the ‘King of the Blues’ – Globo.com

The music lost a majesty. BB King, the King of Blues, died at 89 years old.

When talent and charisma come together, the world balance. BB King put joy in melancholy blues and revenue was recognized in life: he was the king of the genre. A title he refused, for modesty.

The cradle was nothing noble. BB King was born in 1925 on a farm in the southern United States, as Riley B. King. The Mississippi to the world was a long journey. He lost his mother early and ended up on the cotton crop at a time of overt racism. In a documentary, he said he never forgot the scene of a black boy hanged by the Ku Klux Klan

He started playing in church and, in 1940, realized a dream:. Live in Memphis , a city that has designed other idols of American music.

In 1949, BB King Lucille guitar baptized in honor of the woman who caused a fight between two guys at the venue where he played, and proceeded to call all guitar Lucille. With it, in 1951, was a hit with “Three O’Clock Blues,” which made him known throughout the country.

In almost 70 years of career, BB King visited 90 countries. In Brazil, he made several concerts, the first in 1986. He has released more than 50 albums and influenced great people like George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Received a Grammy for the body of work and was voted one of the best guitarists in history.

In 2005, he was thrilled to win the Mississippi one day in his honor. Three years ago, the White House rang with President Barack Obama.

Retire? No way? BB King suffered from diabetes for years, but played frantically, did more than 300 shows per year. Only interrupted the tour after almost fainting during October last year.

BB King died in his sleep at home in a condo in Las Vegas, where he received care for terminal patients. According to the businesswoman, was there that he wanted to spend the last moments of life.

Asked if he was afraid of death, BB King said no. Neither I wanted to know if he was going to heaven or to hell. The place that matters, among the greatest of music, he assured a long time.