B.B. King live at Sing Sing Prison in 1972
B.B. King’s passing last week was a deep cut into Memphis music history, but we can thankfully look back at his long life and relish his talent and ingenuity. On top of the many tributes found online dedicated to the blues musician, we can also cherish him in our own way.
1. Watch what he called one of his best performances
In this 1972 performance, King found himself at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, NY — a prison aptly named for our soulful blues performer, who delivers spine-tingling music in this amazing performance.
2. Party at his bar and club on Beale Street
Listen to some live music and drink the blues away at King’s 24-year-old namesake bar on Beale. The bar features a four-star rating on Google — hard-pressed when pleasing tourists and Memphis natives alike.
3. Listen to some Frank Sinatra
Seems weird, but Sinatra was King’s favorite singer. King once said that Sinatra opened the door for black entertainers, as he got the blues singer into many white-dominated clubs. King called himself a “Sinatra nut” in his autobiography.
On top of these, you might want to head down to Amro Music, rent a guitar, and learn to play the blues yourself.
