Who Is B. B. King? Age, Biography and Wiki
B. B. King, born on September 16, 1925, was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Recognized as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, B. B. King's unique style and emotive voice captivated audiences for decades. He passed away on May 14, 2015, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians worldwide. In 2025, we reflect on King's impactful career and his contributions to the music industry.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1925 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | near Itta Bena, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 May, 2015 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
B. B. King's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
B. B. King was known for his commanding stage presence. While specific weight details are not readily available, he stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His physicality complemented his powerful blues performances, effectively drawing in audiences with every heartfelt note.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, B. B. King was known to have had several relationships. However, he was married twice: his first wife was Martha King, and he later married Sue Carol. Despite his public persona, King kept many aspects of his personal life private. As he is no longer living, discussions about his relationship status today center around his cultural impact rather than personal romantic endeavors.
Riley B. When he was four years old, his mother left his father for another man, so he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Elnora Farr, in Kilmichael, Mississippi, then in Lexington. As a teen, he moved to Indianola which he referred to as his hometown, later working at a cotton gin.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, B. B. King's estimated net worth was around $30 million, largely attributed to his successful music career, extensive touring, and record sales. His albums have sold millions of copies, and even in 2025, his music continues to bring in substantial royalties and earnings through streaming platforms and music licensing.
While young, King sang in the gospel choir at Elkhorn Baptist Church in Kilmichael. He was attracted to the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ because of its music. The local minister performed with a Sears Roebuck Silvertone guitar during services and taught King his first three chords.
Flake Cartledge, his employer in Kilmichael, bought him his first guitar for 15 dollars. Cartledge withheld money from King's salary for the next two months until he repaid the debt.
Career, Business and Investments
B. B. King's career spanned over six decades, during which he released more than 50 albums and won several Grammy Awards. He was a pioneer of the blues genre, merging it with elements of rock and roll, and he is credited with influencing countless artists across various genres. Beyond music, King had a successful business venture in the form of a chain of restaurants named “B. B. King's Blues Club,” located in several major cities. Although he passed away in 2015, his influence and the business acumen he exhibited continue to resonate in the music industry.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and is one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of the Blues", and is referred to as one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with Albert King and Freddie King, none of whom are related).
King performed tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing on average at more than 200 concerts a year into his 70s. In 1956 alone, he appeared at 342 shows.
Social Network
B. B. King maintained a strong presence in the music community, engaging with fans and fellow musicians alike. While he actively used social media platforms during his lifetime, fan pages and tributes continue to honor his legacy today. His official accounts are still kept alive by the administrators who curate his music and legacy, allowing a new generation to discover his work.
From the late 1960s, his new manager, Sid Seidenberg, pushed him into a different type of venue as blues-rock performers like Eric Clapton (once a member of the Yardbirds and Cream) and Paul Butterfield were bringing blues music to appreciative white audiences.
King gained further visibility among rock audiences as an opening act on the Rolling Stones' 1969 American Tour. He won a Grammy Award in 1970 for his version of the song "The Thrill Is Gone" which was a hit on both the Pop and R&B charts. Rolling Stone magazine listed it in the number 183 spot in their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Education
B. B. King's formal education was limited, but he was a natural musician, learning to play guitar at a young age while working on a plantation. His passion for music and innate talent drove his development as an artist, further proving that dedication and love for one's craft can surpass formal training.
In conclusion, while B. B. King may no longer be with us physically, his contributions to music and culture remain alive and well. In 2025, his legacy endures, inspiring new artists and captivating audiences across the globe.
In September 1970, King recorded Live in Cook County Jail during a time in which issues of racism and class in the prison system were prominent in politics. King also co-founded the Foundation for the Advancement of Inmate Rehabilitation and Recreation tying in his support for prisoners and his interest in prison reform.
In addition to prison reform, King also wanted to use prison performances as a way to preserve music and songs in a similar way that Alan Lomax did.
