When BB King started playing the blues more than half a century ago while standing on Mississippi street corners, his exuberance and talent prompted passersby to toss him dimes.
Even though he’s now one of the most-revered, talented and cherished entertainers today, fans note he arguably still plays with the zest and enthusiasm he brought to music lovers all those years ago. At age 83, King plays about four shows a week and doesn’t grant many interviews, perhaps because he’s said it all; now he just wants to let the music speak for him. According to fans and critics alike, the man’s lightening fast fingers — which he calls an extension of his soul — are still as nimble as ever.
“The way I feel today, as long as my health is good and I can handle myself well and people still come to my concerts, still buy my CDs, I’ll keep playing until I feel like I can’t,” King told the Associated Press.
Such modesty throughout his life — he often says he can’t play chords well and relies on improvisation — is what sets King apart from so many other legends.
Witness King’s current tour, where he is playing well known but somewhat modest clubs in support of his latest album, “One Kind Flavor,” released in August. The tunes on the album are reportedly ones that influenced him during his 60-year career during which he has released more than 50 albums.
And what albums they have been including such timeless hits as “Payin’ The Cost To Be The Boss,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” How Blue Can You Get,” “Everyday I Have The Blues,” and “Why I Sing The Blues” all played on a guitar (often a Gibson) which he always dubs “Lucille.”
It’s likely not a surprise that the original blues man (whose given name is Riley B. King) prefers blues and gospel to other genres, but don’t think he’s a musical isolationist. He told AP that he listens to all types of music including popular modern performers.
The 14-time Grammy Award winner is slated to perform on prime-time television during “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live-Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night,” from 9 to 10 p.m. Dec. 4 broadcast on CBS. Seems a good fit for the much-honored King, now the elder statesman of music whose many honors have included induction into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“I am happy to see them. It’s their time in life,” King said in the Associated Press interview. “It’s time for them to make history for themselves. I’m proud of them.”
If you go
BB King
Venue: Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Wed
Details: $135; 703-573-7328; www.ticketmaster.com
