BB King & Eric Clapton

Biography

B.B. King and Eric Clapton, two of the most influential guitarists in blues and rock history, first crossed paths in the 1960s when Clapton was a young member of Cream and already deeply inspired by King’s innovative style. B.B. King, born Riley B. King in Mississippi, rose from humble beginnings to become the 'King of the Blues,' known for his expressive vibrato and soulful, vocal-like guitar phrasing. Eric Clapton, born in England, emerged from the British blues scene, drawing heavily from King’s recordings and techniques, and became a global superstar through bands like The Yardbirds, Cream, and his solo work.

Their mutual admiration culminated in the 2000 album 'Riding with the King,' a Grammy-winning collaboration that blended King’s classic blues with Clapton’s blues-rock sensibility. The album features reinterpretations of blues standards and originals, highlighting their chemistry and shared reverence for the genre. Their partnership, decades in the making, not only celebrated the blues tradition but also introduced it to new generations, reinforcing both artists’ legacies as torchbearers of the blues.[1][2][3]

'Riding with the King' stands as a testament to the enduring power of musical collaboration, with both artists trading licks and vocals in a seamless dialogue. The album’s success and critical acclaim underscored the deep personal and artistic connection between King and Clapton, solidifying their place in music history as masters who bridged generational and stylistic divides.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• The album 'Riding with the King' was a long-held dream for both artists and finally became possible after decades of friendship and mutual admiration.[1][3]
• B.B. King let Eric Clapton choose most of the songs, musicians, and studio for their collaboration, only objecting to a couple of Clapton's picks before being persuaded.[3]
• The cover of 'Riding with the King' features King in the back of a vintage Cadillac and Clapton at the wheel, symbolizing their musical journey together.[3]
• The album won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2001, cementing its status as a modern blues classic.[1][2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• T-Bone Walker - B.B. King cited T-Bone Walker as a major influence, shaping his approach to electric blues guitar. (King's early recordings and live performances) [1940s-1950s]
• B.B. King - Eric Clapton consistently named B.B. King as a primary inspiration and mentor, especially for his phrasing and vibrato. (Clapton's work with Cream, solo blues albums) [1960s onward]

Key Collaborators

• Simon Climie - Producer and collaborator on 'Riding with the King,' helping shape the album's sound. (Riding with the King) [2000]
• John Mayall - Clapton played with Mayall's Bluesbreakers, a formative collaboration for his blues style. (Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton) [1965-1966]
• Cream - Clapton's band during his early career, where he first performed live with B.B. King. (Live performances, Cream albums) [1966-1968]

Artists Influenced

• Stevie Ray Vaughan - Vaughan was inspired by both King and Clapton, adopting King's phrasing and Clapton's blues-rock approach. (Texas Flood, In Session (with Albert King)) [1980s]
• John Mayer - Mayer has cited both King and Clapton as major influences on his guitar style and songwriting. (Continuum, live blues performances) [2000s-present]
• Gary Clark Jr. - Clark Jr. draws from the legacy of both King and Clapton in his modern blues-rock sound. (Blak and Blu, live performances) [2010s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Thrill Is Gone (Completely Well)
2. The Thrill Is Gone (Deuces Wild)
3. When Love Comes To Town (Rattle And Hum)
4. We Are The World - Live (B.B. King - Featuring)
5. Riding With the King (Riding With The King)
6. Bring It On Home To Me (Deuces Wild)
7. Chains And Things (Indianola Mississippi Seeds)
8. Blues Boys Tune (Blues On The Bayou)
9. Why I Sing The Blues (Live And Well)
10. The Thrill Is Gone (B.B. King & Friends - 80)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia