B.B. King, whose real name was Riley B. King, was an iconic blues musician who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Born on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, King discovered his love for music at a young age. King's mother passed away when he was only nine years old, and he moved to live with his grandmother in Kilmichael, Mississippi. It was in Kilmichael where King first learned to play the guitar, and by the time he was 15, he was already performing on street corners for spare change. In the late 1940s, King moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and began his career as a musician. He started playing on the local radio station, WDIA, and it wasn't long before he became a regular on the station. His bluesy guitar playing and smooth voice quickly made him a fan favorite. King's breakthrough hit, "Three O'Clock Blues" was released in 1951, and it quickly climbed the charts. The song would launch King's career and make him a household name. His signature style was a blend of traditional blues, swing, jazz, and R&B. Throughout the 1950s and '60s, King released a string of hits, including "Every Day I Have the Blues," "Sweet Little Angel," and "Rock Me Baby." He also performed with a wide range of musicians, including Eric Clapton, U2, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. King was known for his live performances, and he earned the nickname "The King of the Blues" for his dynamic stage presence. He performed hundreds of shows every year, and his tours took him all over the world. King's music was a testament to his personal struggles. He grew up in the Jim Crow South and faced discrimination and racism throughout his life. As a result, many of his songs featured themes of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. He was also deeply committed to civil rights and worked with activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Harry Belafonte. In addition to his music, King was also a philanthropist. He founded the B.B. King Foundation, which provided funds for music education in schools and scholarships for underprivileged musicians. He was also honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Kennedy Center Honor. King passed away on May 14, 2015, at the age of 89. His legacy lives on through his music, and he remains one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. From humble beginnings to international stardom, B.B. King's life and music will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of the blues.