B.B. King’s latest album One Kind Favor shows that a true master craftsman never loses his touch. At the age of 82, it’s an inspiration to see the King of the Blues capturing another moment of history with his signature sound and solid songwriting on the release of One Kind Favor. Over fifty years after King’s first Billboard chart appearance, 15,000 live performances, and several movie appearances, he can still sing the blues without missing a beat.
Riley B. King was born September 16, 1925, and much has changed in the world since his youth. He adopted the nickname B.B. after working for WDIA, the first all black staffed and managed radio station in the U.S. The name “Beale Street Blues Boy” was shortened to B.B. and has stayed with King until this day.
Shortly after King’s work on the radio, his single Three O’ Clock Blues made its way on to the Billboard R & B music charts in 1952. King did not cross over to the pop charts until 1969 with the release of The Thrill Is Gone. After enjoying some success on the pop charts, King toured with The Rolling Stones on their 1969 American tour.
Currently with Geffen Records, King has had a monumental journey playing with a variety of artists from Eric Clapton to U2. His farewell tour was held in 2006 although this new album makes one wonder what’s on the horizon. For 82 old, B.B. King is still on top of his game.
The first track on One Kind Favor, See That My Grave Is Kept Clean creates the impression that King may be presenting a conclusion album—though this track is the only one on the album that lacks memorable emotion.
The second song I Get So Weary delivers and sends listeners into fourteen more solidly crafted blues tracks. King’s raspy but powerful voice croons lyrics of heartbreak and life’s struggles as his signature guitar lines flow threw a multitude of scales and solos that keep the band following along song after song.
“Waiting on Your Call” is six minutes of artistic perfection for a blues artist.
One Kind Favor is a must have by the Beale Street Blues Boy for any fan of the twelve-bar style. If you are a fan of the blues, or quality song writing, this album is worth a listen.
Riley B. King was born September 16, 1925, and much has changed in the world since his youth. He adopted the nickname B.B. after working for WDIA, the first all black staffed and managed radio station in the U.S. The name “Beale Street Blues Boy” was shortened to B.B. and has stayed with King until this day.
Shortly after King’s work on the radio, his single Three O’ Clock Blues made its way on to the Billboard R & B music charts in 1952. King did not cross over to the pop charts until 1969 with the release of The Thrill Is Gone. After enjoying some success on the pop charts, King toured with The Rolling Stones on their 1969 American tour.
Currently with Geffen Records, King has had a monumental journey playing with a variety of artists from Eric Clapton to U2. His farewell tour was held in 2006 although this new album makes one wonder what’s on the horizon. For 82 old, B.B. King is still on top of his game.
The first track on One Kind Favor, See That My Grave Is Kept Clean creates the impression that King may be presenting a conclusion album—though this track is the only one on the album that lacks memorable emotion.
The second song I Get So Weary delivers and sends listeners into fourteen more solidly crafted blues tracks. King’s raspy but powerful voice croons lyrics of heartbreak and life’s struggles as his signature guitar lines flow threw a multitude of scales and solos that keep the band following along song after song.
“Waiting on Your Call” is six minutes of artistic perfection for a blues artist.
One Kind Favor is a must have by the Beale Street Blues Boy for any fan of the twelve-bar style. If you are a fan of the blues, or quality song writing, this album is worth a listen.
