Entertainment
8 Facts About B.B. King You May Have Not Known, Because The Blue Legend Did A Lot In His Lifetime
In sad news, mega talent B.B. King has died at 89. As his website reports, "Mr. King passed peacefully in his sleep at 9:40 pm Pacific time May 14 2015." Though it's truly devastating to say goodbye to such an innovative and groundbreaking talent, it's comforting to know that within his nearly 90 years on the planet, he accomplished so very much. While King spent a significant majority of his life in the public eye, there are still bits of his life that aren't as widely known. To gain better insight into the late great's life, click through for a look at eight facts you may have never known about him.
"B.B." Is Not His True Initials
B.B. King’s real name was Riley Ben King.
So Where Did B.B. Come From?
It derives from his original DJ name, “Beale Street Blues Boy” AKA “Blues Boy.”
He Could Fly
Literally. King added FAA certificated private pilot to his extensive list of skills.
He Carried Out His Guitar, Lucille's, Legacy
And made of line of guitars in Lucille’s honor. According to his site, “King had been playing Gibsons for over 40 years when he and Gibson officially joined forces in 1982. B.B.’s personal touches on his signature model include the fine-tuner tailpiece, the semi-hollow body with no soundholes and, of course, the name that has adorned his guitars throughout his career Lucille.”
He Had A Family To Rival The Duggars
King had a whopping 15 biological and adopted children and 50 grandchildren.
He Was Recognized By George H.W. Bush
And By George W. Bush
King was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006. According to Billboard, President Bush’s awe of King was due to his incredibly difficult childhood and his monumental achievements in spite of it.
At His Start, He Made In One Night What Many People Make In One Hour
According to Biography.com after his “big” break on Sonny Boy Williamson’s radio show, he got a job where “he performed six nights a week for $12.50 a night.”
