Still the reigning King of Blues - Legendary Blues Men

Still the reigning King of Blues
October 5, 2009
by Liz Norment
Collegiate Times

B.B. King played for over two hours Sunday night to a nearly sold-out crowd in Burruss Hall. The show, sponsored by Virginia Tech Union, was half authentic blues music and half storytelling. It seemed fittingly appropriate for the 84-year-old musician who has a story to tell. He thrilled the audience with his famed guitar riffs and stories varying from his experiences growing up picking cotton in Mississippi to his immense love of food and women.
NIELS GORAN BLUME/SPPSB.B. King took to the stage Sunday to play his brand of soulful music.

King introduced each member of his eight-person band like a member of his family, pausing to give special attention to his guitar Lucille, the real star of the show. Of his legendary muse, he admits, "We've been together since 1949, so I guess we hit if off."

Donning a shiny floral blazer and patent leather shoes, King's presence embodied the attitude of blues: flashy and entertaining, yet deeply soulful. He is obviously the ringleader of the group, often letting his band take over while bobbing his head, visibly impressed and moved by the music.

King kept the audience entertained and involved for the duration of the concert, from joining him for a second round of "You Are My Sunshine" to encouraging the ladies to kiss their neighbor on his count of four. Although he is the King of Blues, the show kept the crowd laughing.

"They say people who play the blues shouldn't smile. I don't get that," King laughed. It's his big smile and entertaining persona that has revolutionized the face of blues music, from front porches and street corners in the South to King's world tours boasting shows in over 90 countries through the years.

Other highlights of the show included the title track of his latest album, "One Kind Favor," as well as a clever story and song about a magical "Dr. Viagra," that had the audience laughing and singing along.

Cleverly accompanying his song "Rock Me Baby," King very seriously offered the men in the crowd his best advice: "Ladies are smarter than us. Just listen to them."

And he also added a warning to the introduction of his hip-moving hit, "They got hips," he said, "they got moves that'll kill ya."

King caught himself rambling on at times between songs, excusing himself.

"They say people from Mississippi talk too much," he said, though clearly not showing much remorse as he continued on throughout the night.

He laughed, pulling a folded paper out of his pocket. "Some people may think this is some sort of a list of songs," King said. "It's the time that they told me I have to stop playing,"

This information was followed by shouts from the delighted audience of "Ignore it!"

The show drew a diverse crowd from the Blacksburg community, which did not want to miss the man thought to be the last of the great bluesmen. Tech alumnus and Hokie House employee Jordan Holt said he was proud of the amount of people in attendance.

"An area like this is surprisingly cultured despite stereotypes," Holt said. "People in the hills have a good appreciation for the arts."

Locals Jim Lawrence and Jack McMahon, fans for over 30 years, mutually agreed that the last song of the night was their favorite.

"It's hard to beat 'The Thrill is Gone,'" McMahon said.

Before playing this last song, King thanked the audience again. "I just love to have fun, ladies and gentlemen, and you've spoiled us," he said. "Boy, if you cook like you applaud, I'm coming over to your house after this."

And with that he held out his arms signaling two men to help him stand up, the first and only sign of the evening that his 84 years have worn him down.

Without missing a beat, the King of Blues put on a tan fedora and black overcoat, took a bow and exited the stage. His band continued to play as the crowd dissolved, the image and music of a legendary bluesman lingering in the air.