Today BB King turns 88 years old. He, along with Les Paul, are 2 American "Living Legends" that I've had a chance to meet a few times over the last 20 years. Sadly, Les is no longer with us but BB is still here and out on the road playing several hundred shows every year. In the last few years time has started to catch up with him and his shows may not have the same intensity and magic they once did. But I challenge ANYBODY to do what BB has done for almost 70 years and to still do it as well (if at all) at this age. He has been a hero of mine for many, many years and my respect for him grows with each passing year. His playing has had a bigger influence on me than perhaps any other guitarist in the world (and I love a BUNCH of guitar players). So God Bless Riley B. King and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the "KING of the Blues"!!!! And for your listening pleasure I give you about 8 minutes of the greatest guitar playing ever recorded...
http://mcquain.com/lespaul/favorites...0is%20Gone.mp4
Here's a little more musical fun, this time with the late Gary Moore and Luther Allison jamming with BB...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssc2xppkVg8
And Duane Allman paying his respects...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZBG9H3v2P8