10 Best B.B. King Albums
By Martine Ehrenclou
B.B. King was one of the greatest blues artists of all time. Winner of 15 Grammy Awards, and winner of many others, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Riley B. King was known as The King of The Blues. One of the most influential musicians, B.B. released 50 albums. A legendary bluesman, King influenced countless musicians including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, Richie Sambora, Carlos Santana, Billy Gibbons, The Rolling Stones, Gary Clark Jr, and many more.
Earning the nickname “The King of The Blues,” B.B. King is revered as one of The Three Kings alongside Freddie King and Albert King, He performed over 200 shows each year into the 1970s.
B.B. King appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and more.
A documentary about King, B.B. King The Life Of Riley narrated by Morgan Freeman was released in 2012,
Celebrating the legendary bluesman’s greatest albums, I’ve included BB King’s live albums as well. I hope you enjoy. Each one has a Spotify playlist.
Live At the Regal
The 1965 masterpiece, Live At The Regal, is a monumental album, credited with introducing countless listeners to B.B. King’s blues prowess. Recorded live at The Regal Theater in Chicago, the album captures King in his prime, captivating the audience with every note and lyric. His guitar skills showcase a perfect blend of ferocity and melody, while his vocals and commanding presence demand the attention of all in attendance. Iconic tracks like “Every Day I Have The Blues” and “How Blue Can You Get” unveil King’s unique musical magic, leaving the crowd craving for more – a sentiment we can all still relate to.
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Live In Cook County Jail
B.B. King, renowned for his stellar performances in a live setting, produced a notable collection of live albums with Live In Cook County Jail standing as a hidden gem often overshadowed by the acclaimed Live At The Regal. This recording, executed before an audience of over 2000 inmates within the confines of Chicago’s notorious Cook County Jail, showcases King’s hits with unparalleled intensity. The renditions captured in this setting are among the most impassioned interpretations of King’s repertoire, clearly reflecting the artist’s peak experience during this performance. The impact of this performance resonated with King, prompting him to continue engaging in prison shows throughout his career and co-founding the Foundation for the Advancement of Inmate Rehabilitation and Recreation.
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Singin’ The Blues
Singin’ The Blues marks B.B. King’s debut album, released in 1957. In this early phase of his musical journey, King carried the influence of his hero T-Bone Walker, delivering compelling, horn-enhanced jump blues. Even at this nascent stage, his vocal prowess was undeniable, accompanied by the warmth and distinctive character of his guitar tone. King’s guitar lines exuded a cool and deep-pocketed vibe, complemented by a band that was truly on fire. Several tracks from this album, including “Every Day I Have The Blues,” “Three O’clock Blues,” and “Sweet Little Angel,” went on to become blues standards. From the outset, King reshaped the blues in his own image, leaving an indelible mark and exerting his influential presence.
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Completely Well
Released in 1969, this album includes B.B. King’s iconic track, “The Thrill Is Gone.” This slow, minor-key masterpiece not only propelled King to unprecedented success but has also become a timeless standard performed by countless bands. The song’s sophisticated arrangement, featuring a string section alongside the expected instrumentation, marked a groundbreaking moment for King. This departure from the norm played a pivotal role in propelling him into the mainstream. “The Thrill Is Gone” secured its place in history by reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award in 1970. Beyond the standout track, the rest of the album is equally impressive. Tunes like “So Excited,” “You’re Losin’ Me,” and “Cryin’ Won’t Help You Now” showcase a funky, progressive, and undeniably cool musical landscape. The album made King a household name.
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Indianola Mississippi Seeds
Indianola Mississippi Seeds emerged on the heels of the crossover triumph of “The Thrill Is Gone,” showcasing B.B. King seamlessly integrating rock influences into his blues style. Producer Bill Szymczyk orchestrated a studio collaboration with a lineup of rock luminaries, featuring guitarist Joe Walsh, bassist Jerry Jemmott, pianists Carole King and Leon Russell, and drummer Russ Kunkle. The resultant album achieved both significant commercial success and critical acclaim, standing as a pinnacle in the realm of blues/rock records. Notable hit singles from the album include “Chains and Things” and Leon Russell’s “Hummingbird.”
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B.B. King In London
His 19th studio album and recorded in London, King is joined by noted US and British rock and R&B musicians on this release, including Ringo Starr, Alexis Korner, Gary Wright, members of Spooky Tooth Humble Pie and more. Released in 1991, Live In London captures the legendary blues maestro in a dynamic and electrifying performance. Recorded in the vibrant atmosphere of London, this musical journey showcases King’s unparalleled stage presence, where his soulful vocals and masterful guitar work come together in perfect harmony. The album is a testament to King’s ability to connect with audiences across borders, delivering blues classics with an energy that transcends cultural boundaries. .
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My Kind Of Blues
Rumored to be B.B. King’s favorite album, King apparently recorded it in one day. Laid back and melancholy, it features “You Done Lost our Good Thing Now” and is considered a departure from the big band styles on his previous albums. B.B. King’s My Kind of Blues album invites listeners into a captivating sonic journey, where the blues icon’s musical prowess takes center stage. At the intersection of raw emotion and refined skill, this album showcases King’s ability to weave soul-stirring narratives through his vocals and guitar artistry. The tracks on “My Kind of Blues” are a testament to King’s deep understanding of the blues genre, with each note resonating with authenticity and passion. From slow, heartfelt ballads to up-tempo blues grooves, the album presents a rich tapestry of King’s musical range.
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Lucille
B.B. King’s Lucille album is a poignant musical journey that delves into the blues icon’s brilliance. Named after his cherished guitar, the album, released in 1968, is a testament to King’s ability to infuse each note with emotion and narrative depth. With tracks like “Lucille” and “Maybe I’ll Move to the City,” King’s expressive vocals and masterful guitar work take center stage, weaving tales of love, loss, and the human experience. The album captures the essence of King’s connection with his audience, transcending mere performance to create an intimate dialogue through the language of blues. “Lucille” stands as a timeless showcase of B.B. King’s enduring impact on the blues genre and his unparalleled ability to tell stories through his music.
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Blues Summit
B.B. King’s Blues Summit album is a collaborative masterpiece that brings together a variety of blues luminaries who create a tapestry of diverse and soulful musical expressions. Released in 1993, this album sees King joining forces with a stellar lineup of guest artists, including Buddy Guy, Ruth Brown, Joe Louis Walker, among others. Each track is a unique conversation between blues giants, with King’s signature guitar licks and emotive vocals weave seamlessly with the distinct styles of his fellow musicians. From the electrifying guitar exchanges to the heartfelt vocal duets, Blues Summit stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the blues genre. This collection not only pays homage to the roots of blues but also propels the genre forward through the shared artistry of these iconic figures, making it a must-listen for blues enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
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Riding With The King
B.B. King’s Riding with the King album is a transcendent collaboration that unites two blues legends, B.B. King and Eric Clapton, in a celebration of their shared musical heritage. Released in 2000, this exceptional album combines King’s soulful vocals and trademark guitar brilliance with Clapton’s distinct style, creating a seamless blend of blues artistry. The tracks, including the titular “Riding with the King” and classics like “Three O’clock Blues,” showcase a mutual respect and camaraderie between the two virtuosos, resulting in a collection that pays homage to the roots of blues while infusing it with a contemporary flair.
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What are you favorite B.B. King albums? Please list them in the comment section below.
I like all your choices, but I would’ve also put in LAidnight which is one of my favorites
The album Blues is King is my favorite
I don’t know what album is on, Is
Big Boss Man, Number 1 for me and then the Thrill is gone. But I can go, go and gone on when it’s come to Mr. B.B King.
In 1971, I drove straight thru from LA to Denver. We had 2 casettes: Completely Well & The Best of Buffalo Springfield. We listened to both continuously & never got tired of either. 50+ years later I still listen to both.
I really like B.B. King and friends. By the way I need a copy on C.D, I had it on cassette but I wore it out.
I was also born in Indianola, Mississippi..My family and B.B. King and his family were very close..They attended the same school and church.My aunt even attended his funeral and sent me his obituary and I still have it.I also have many of his records that he made. I play them all the time..these are the 45 size records..And I am told that they are classic and worth much money.
Live at the Regal #1, Blues isKing #2.