The B.B. King Treasures

Ebony, Sept, 2005

The musical wizardry of B.B. King has captivated listeners since he began his recording career in the late-1940s, strumming the guitar and singing the blues in his own inimitable way. Tracks like "The Thrill is Gone," "Why I Sing the Blues" and "Every Day I Have the Blues" are just a few examples of his hallmark works.

He has released more than 50 albums and his list of accomplishments runs long. In 2000, he made two platinum-selling records, Riding with the King with Eric Clapton and Deuces Wild. In 1990, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of the Arts. In 1987, he was presented with a lifetime achievement Grammy for his work, in addition to 24 Grammy Award nominations over the years. Now this month--when he celebrates his 80th birthday on September 16--comes the publication of THE B.B. KING TREASURES: PHOTOS, MEMENTOS, AND MUSIC FROM B.B. KING'S COLLECTION (Bulfinch Press, $40) by B.B. King with author Dick Waterman, an illustrated book that captures pivotal moments in the life of the music legend. The hardcover book is replete with photo illustrations and keepsakes, including a 60-minute CD and replicas of posters, event tickets and tour stickers. It also details the life and times of the man and the artist, who was born Riley B. King on a cotton plantation in Itta Bena, Miss. "This book celebrates Riley B. King," his manager, Floyd Lieberman, says in the foreword. "It is an intimate story of the man behind the legend ..."