A legendary music icon has left us after a lifetime of musical achievement and influence. Blues legend B.B. King has passed away at the age of 89, according to B.B. King and multiple other outlets.
B.B. King, the legendary blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, died Thursday in Las Vegas, his attorney said. King was 89 years old.
Attorney Brent Bryson told The Associated Press that King died peacefully in his sleep at 9:40 p.m. local time at his home.
The one-time farmhand brought new fans to the blues and influenced a generation of musicians with his heartfelt vocals and soaring guitar on songs such as “The Thrill Is Gone.”
King sold millions of records worldwide and was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
King played a Gibson guitar that he affectionately called Lucille and was not only the undisputed king of the blues but a mentor to scores of guitarists including Eric Clapton.
He was awarded his 15th Grammy in 2009 in the traditional blues album category for “One Kind Favor”
