BB King on Charlie Christian and Django

[AndyV]

[mr. beaumont]

BB played changes, in his own way. All the great bluesmen did.

[rpjazzguitar]

I was told this story by a Reno club musician who was there.

BB King is playing with his usual band. 12 bar blues. At one point, BB sustains a high note and keeps it going.

Turnaround comes and BB shakes the note to keep it happening and as the chorus progresses he's shaking it, squeezing it, doing whatever he can with that note.

Next turnaround comes and he still has it going and going and going.

At that point, the crowd goes absolutely nuts, on their feet and screaming.

One note.

[ruger9]

That was fantastic. I had never seen that particular clip before. I'm actually surprised he KNEW what a dominant 9th or diminished chord was... let alone be able to play them. He always said in interviews he "didn't know any of that stuff", and that he "couldn't play chords".... obviously he exaggerated.

[Doctor Jeff]

I find it surprising that we’re surprised that a professional musician knows things like chords and scales LOL. I mean, after all, it IS their job, and what do they have to do with their spare time other than learn it better?

I’m joking. I’ve heard BB talk quite a lot, in fact the Sirius XM Blues channel often has interviews with him, and not only can he tell a good story, but it’s impressive how much he knows about playing music that will get people feeling good and the music biz in general.

I saw him back in the 80’s at a festival in downtown Chattanooga. When he started singing about how his woman done him wrong and made him blue, the ENTIRE crowd said “uh huh”, well half the crowd. The other half shouted out when he sang about a woman’s no-good man. I haven’t seen a performer have a crowd so much in his pocket before or since.

[Doctor Jeff]

BB at Sing Sing 1972:

[alltunes]

One band I was in had the opportunity to open to open for quite a few national acts; BB King among them. BB was the only one to take the time to thank us during his set. I will never forget his graciousness.

BB’s stories on Sirius XM are great.

The first three notes of that sing sing show above are killer!

[Alder Statesman]

BB King. One of the classiest guys to play guitar.

[rpjazzguitar]

I find it surprising that we’re surprised that a professional musician knows things like chords and scales LOL. I mean, after all, it IS their job, and what do they have to do with their spare time other than learn it better?

I’m joking. I’ve heard BB talk quite a lot, in fact the Sirius XM Blues channel often has interviews with him, and not only can he tell a good story, but it’s impressive how much he knows about playing music that will get people feeling good and the music biz in general.

I saw him back in the 80’s at a festival in downtown Chattanooga. When he started singing about how his woman done him wrong and made him blue, the ENTIRE crowd said “uh huh”, well half the crowd. The other half shouted out when he sang about a woman’s no-good man. I haven’t seen a performer have a crowd so much in his pocket before or since.

BB King may get underestimated because blues can be seen as a simple type of music. Well, until you try to sound as good as the Masters, anyway. Also, because he was a modest person.

In fact, BB was a great interview. He did Bill Maher's show years ago and spoke eloquently about politics and sociology.

[MarkRhodes]

I enjoyed his autobiography.
Love his records.

[ruger9]

I enjoyed his autobiography.
Love his records.

For those who haven't seen the movie bio, "The Life of Riley", you should.

[KingKong]

From watching interviews etc I think King knew a lot more playing and theory than his blues licks that have become standards, his Christian impression in the above vid sounds alright in my opinion. It would be interesting if there is any stuff about of him playing other stuff, any one know of any?

[mr. beaumont]

If everyone took some time to steal licks from T-Bone, Charlie, and Django, the world would be a much better place.

[Cunamara]

Can I get an amen on that?